Gregg Popovich Holds Keys to Spurs' Glory

The San Antonio Spurs have had Gregg Popovich around for nearly three decades, yet he still is arguably the most important member of the franchise.

SAN ANTONIO - I saw Gregg Popovich in the wild. 

A friend and I decided to surprise my oldest daughter at the restaurant where she recently landed a new job making desserts. I had already eaten dinner so I was just going to grab a seat at the bar and have a glass of wine and the buttercake that the place is known for. 

I've been telling my kid I'd go in soon because it's a really nice place and Dad needed to try these amazing things she has been making. As I walked in I requested the bar and immediately noticed the San Antonio Spurs head coach sitting there. He had a spot that was reserved next to him. He was sitting there alone so obviously the empty spot was so nobody could sit directly next to him which is completely understandable. 

But there I was, two seats over from the best who ever did it. The five-time NBA champion. The reigning gold medalist for the United States Men's team. The all-time leader in wins in both the playoffs and regular season. Pretty soon, the bartender brought him his to-go bag, the owner came over to thank him and off he went. I'm pretty sure he noticed me but it's not like he was going to chat me up. That gruff guy he is with all the in game reporters? He's not joking.

It's the first time in many years living in and out of San Antonio that I've seen Pop out somewhere so it was kind of cool. I've covered many games of course but this was two guys at a bar. As he walked out the door the fan in me took over my thoughts. 

Popovich is 74 years old now but still has the world by the you know what. Victor Wembanyama, brand new out of this world practice facility, talks of a new arena and a newly inked five year extension. The timing of me running into him seems peculiar. I find myself so excited for the upcoming season I can hardly stand it. He won't be the coach of the Spurs forever but it sometimes seems like it. 

Off he went, out of the restaurant and back to whence he came. Holding a bag of food. Holding the keys back to glory for the Spurs. Holding the keys to the indescribable mood this city is in when the basketball team is good. 

Enjoy your dinner, GOAT. 

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