Brooklyn Nets Coach Jacque Vaughn Reflects on Popovich's Influence

Former player turned coach Vaughn draws inspiration from coaching legend Gregg Popovich.

From 2006 to 2009, Jacque Vaughn played for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich. As Vaughn's playing abilities remained strong, the toll on his body became noticeable, a development he disliked given his pride in conditioning, prompting his transition into coaching with coach Pop as his ideal mentor.

The former Spurs guard became the Orlando Magic head coach in 2012 and lasted until the second half of the 2014/15 season. He was then hired as the lead assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets under Kenny Atkinson and then Steve Nash. When the latter was fired, Vaughn took over the head coach position.

“I’m in this position because of him. He saw something in me as a player, saw something in me when I was done playing,” Vaughn said about Popovich. “To have me a part of that organization, to share an office with him to see how he prepared for regular season games, for playoff games, for shootarounds. To see how he cared for my family, to see how he’s still a mentor to me.”

Popovich is full of praise for Vaughn

When Vaughn became the full-time head coach in Brooklyn, coach Pop had nothing but praise for his former player and assistant. The legendary tactician praised Vaughn as one of the more level-headed coaches in the league because he does not look for the spotlight as he just does his job and leads the team.

That has been evident during the 2023/24 season so far as the Nets' head coach has been an excellent amidst the injury troubles the team is facing. The players are responding to Vaughn well as they have the “Next Man Up” mentality and they know he trusts them to perform.

This is similar to what Pop did in the past with his Spurs team because he had some magnificent players but he got the most out of the lesser-known names.

Jacque Vaughn and Gregg Popovich embrace after the Nets win their 12th-straight, 139-103 over the Spurs.#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/i79Kr05eqr

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 3, 2023

Vaughn is developing something big in Brooklyn

While Vaughn does not have the same generational talents as Pop has had in San Antonio, something good is brewing in Brooklyn. The team is often overlooked despite possessing elite depth, and once everyone returns from injury, they are poised to continue playing an exciting brand of basketball.

Coach Vaughn is doing something right with the Nets because they have a promising future and the players all love playing under his tutelage. This reflects positively on the head coach, showcasing the influence of Popovich.

NETS WIN! pic.twitter.com/AzhThdTPd7

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 15, 2023

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