Gregg Popovich Acknowledges 'Different Set of Challenges' in Spurs Rebuild
After losing 16 consecutive games, it's understandable for a head coach to express frustrations. However, following the San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Utah Jazz last Tuesday, Gregg Popovich voiced his appreciation for the different process during the rebuild compared to the franchise's dynastic period with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.
"It's back to the drawing board and doing drills that high school kids are doing," Popovich said.
In a season where losing ranks higher than winning, most championship-level coaches wouldn't find themselves in an appreciative state of mind. However, the teacher in Popovich allows for a smoother transition into emphasizing rebuilding a franchise from what was once a perennial contender for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Popovich currently has a vastly different set of players compared to his championship-winning days. The young Spurs are raw, never playing relevant professional basketball. No one on the roster has the knack for intuitive play-making abilities. Such limitations inspire Popovich to teach basketball from the ground up, such as utilizing back-to-basic practices.
Popovich's ability to hold players accountable without taking the humanity out of the game has always held him in high regard with his championship rosters. In 2018, Former Spurs point guard Tony Parker expressed his gratitude for San Antonio while also conveying his appreciation for Popovich's leadership in his heartfelt letter for The Players' Tribune.
"It’s hard to explain what makes Pop such a special leader," Parker wrote. Of course, there’s the stuff you know: He’s a genius communicator, a sharp Xs-and-Os thinker, a brilliant motivator, and an all-around great guy. But I think what makes him unique as an NBA coach are his principles: the way that he established them from the start — and then the way that he has stuck to them ever since."
Popovich's personality makes for an easier rebuild, and this season supports that suggestion, especially after witnessing his and the players' reaction to a 16-game losing streak. No one is happy about the situation, but they aren't down for the count. Although challenging, such losses will only strengthen San Antonio, as Popovich's principles clearly run through the franchise.
Owning a 15-47 record makes it easy to find the bad in basketball. However, instilling the integrity of the game, education, and gradually improving basketball skills to better the team mark important keys to building a legitimate franchise for the future. Adding a potential superstar prospect to the mix would also help. As the Spurs find their footing in a "lost" season, the lottery holds the vital key in capitalizing on a rough year record-wise.
In the meantime, bestowing Popovich's wisdom onto the inexperienced young Spurs can pay off richly in the long term.
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