Inside The Spurs

Spurs' Zach Collins Says Gregg Popovich Shows Team Current Events: 'He Thinks It's Important'

In yet another practice that sets Gregg Popovich apart from other NBA coaches, Spurs center Zach Collins revealed that the veteran coach shows the team current events before practice to keep the roster aware of the world around them.

Matt Guzman

Spurs' Zach Collins Says Gregg Popovich Shows Team Current Events: 'He Thinks It's Important'
Spurs' Zach Collins Says Gregg Popovich Shows Team Current Events: 'He Thinks It's Important' /
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It's no secret that San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has a unique coaching style. In fact, to say that another coach will have the same career, legacy or even approach to coaching might be a stretch. He is completely old school, after all. 

On the court, there aren't any questions regarding Popovich's approach or legitimacy, but off the court, he has stirred up some drama with his opinions — especially regarding politics. 

But while Popovich seldom shares his opinions with the media — and given the backlash he's received, it makes sense why — he is certainly more vocal within the locker room and with his players. 

In a recent interview with Emily Austin on "The Hoop Chat", Spurs center Zach Collins spoke about some of Popovich's antics — one of which was particular unique. 

"[Popovich] thinks it's important to know what's going on in the world," Collins said. "I know it sounds simple, but he'll randomly ... throw a news clip on the screen right before film."

To Collins' point, it is a simple practice, but something that some of the younger players may not be accustomed to — which Popovich certainly is aware of.

Everyone will be caught off guard a little bit, but ... that's just part of his philosophy," Collins said. "To make sure you're up to date on stuff. it also puts basketball — losing games or missing shots — into perspective with what's really going on in the world."

The Spurs are known to be a community-first franchise. Continually donating to and supporting the Uvalde community or speaking on mental health are just two examples of their mission to give back to those in and around San Antonio, which only makes Popovich's current events practice seem more fitting.

Again, Popovich has never been like any other coach, whether on the sidelines or off the court. Keeping his players up to date may be a small thing, but it speaks levels to the familial aspect of the Spurs — and that could a long way come the regular season.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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