Erik Spoelstra, Gregg Popovich Will Always Have Bond As Longest Tenured Coaches
Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich have met twice in the NBA Finals.
They were named to the Top 15 all-time list of coaches. They are also the league's longest tenured coaches.
The linkage makes it even more special the two times they face one another every season. The latest chapter was Wednesday when Spoelstra's Miami Heat knocked off Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs.
Before and after games, it's always the same scene. They chat for a few minutes but it is sometimes interrupted by Heat players Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson wanting to speak with Popovich.
"I've said before I've admired him for a long time," Spoelstra said. "Really, it's just a show of respect for him. I actually don't want to take too much of his time now because I know all of the guys that are waiting behind me ... A lot of it is just acknowledging and showing respect."
Both NBA legends are at different phases now. Spoelstra is attempting to make a second straight Finals appearance while Popovich is rebuilding around No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama.
Still, their relationship remains the same.
"Even though you lose, it's still the big picture," Popovich said. "Spo is fantastic. Bam [Adebayo] is fantastic. To see those guys after the game and wish them well, it's a thrill."
Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.
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