Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Would Victor Wembanyama Extend Gregg Popovich's Spurs Tenure?
There's a big elephant in San Antonio that doesn't get talked about very often.
Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs coach since 1997, is oldest coach in the league at the ripe, tender age of 74, but continues to stick around. Popovich has never officially addressed his retirement, and every time he's asked about it, he usually divulges the subject towards his players or another topic.
Many thought Popovich would retire alongside Tim Duncan, who helped him build the Spurs dynasty for nearly two decades. However, Duncan retired seven years ago, and Popovich is still kicking it with the Spurs despite not contending this past season. The Spurs bottomed out in the standings, but acquired the best odds to draft Victor Wembanyama, a generational talent that could have Popovich coaching until he's 100.
"The opportunity to mold a talent like Wembanyama might certainly prolong Pop's career and his desire to continue coaching. It's worth wondering whether the eventuality of his retirement creates added impetus for the organization to return to playoff relevance sooner than later," ESPN writes.
Popovich's desire for coaching has really been highlighted over the past few seasons. During the end of the Spurs' dynasty, it appeared that Popovich was sticking around because he was that team's coach and his prolonged success never gave him a reason to be fired or to leave on his own accord. Now, with all of that stripped back, his joy for the profession stands out a little more. Throughout the season, he emphasized his enjoyment for simply developing the young pieces on the team.
There hasn't really ever been a player to come into the draft like Wembanyama, ever. So if the Spurs won the May 16 draft lottery, Popovich and the rest of San Antonio would rejoice, and that may keep the legendary coach around a few more years.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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