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