On May 2, Hall of Fame Head Coach Gregg Popovich announced he will no longer be coaching after 29 years. This comes after he suffered a stroke back in November, followed by another medical episode mid-April.
Pop had a legendary career, bringing five championships to San Antonio during his NBA record 22 consecutive playoff appearances. He is regarded as one of the greatest head coaches in NBA history.
His 1,422 wins are the most ever by a head coach and will likely remain that way for a long time. He also won Coach of the Year three times.
Not only was Pop a significant part of San Antonio’s success, but he also helped Team USA get two Olympic gold medals. Pop assisted many players and coaches in establishing their names.
While Pop was known for his success as a basketball coach, he was also known for his jokes and funny moments.
El Jefe
After stepping down as head coach, Popovich had some jokes during his first time addressing the media since suffering his stroke. He discussed the current team and acknowledged it was the right time to step down.
When he took off his vintage Spurs jacket, it revealed “El Jefe” on the front of his black T-shirt, eliciting laughs from the media members. Translating to “the boss”, Pop will be taking over as President of Basketball Operations within the organization, as revealed on the back of his shirt.
The Hug
Popovich was one of the hardest coaches to interview throughout his years coaching.
While there were times he could be engaging, he was also very blunt and direct with his responses to questions. When it comes to in-game interviews, Popovich, at times, was very dismissive.
In this instance, reporter Jeff Van Gundy jokingly said he was nervous to interview Pop and asked all the sideline reporters how he should approach him. He then mentioned they replied, saying “explore your feelings,” which is when Pop gave him a big hug, then proceeded to walk away.
Preseason Interview
If you think getting an interview with Pop in the regular season is hard enough, try getting one in the preseason. It’s even hard for the late, great Hall of Fame reporter, Craig Sager. The two have had many funny exchanges throughout the years.
This one in particular took place during a preseason game against the Rockets back in 2013. Right as Sager started the interview, Pop stopped him, saying, “This is the preseason, right? We have to do this in the preseason? Are you kidding me?” 15 seconds later, Sager was able to get a question in.
He asked what his biggest challenge was in the preseason. Pop replied, “Getting to the restaurant on time”— a classic Pop answer. After his second question, Pop said, “No more questions, that’s two.”
New Car
Pop was known for his tough-minded, no-nonsense coaching style. He was always honest and direct with his players, believing they should have accountability.
Things were not going great in a playoff game against the Mavericks in 2010 as Pop was heard during a timeout telling his team that the “next guy that misses a free throw is going to buy me a new car”. Nobody knows if he was serious, as the team didn’t miss a free throw for the rest of the game.
What was not heard or shown on the broadcast was that Tim Duncan replied, asking what color he would like it in.
A Second Question
Usually, Pop tries to get out of mid-game interviews as quickly as possible. The Spurs being up 15 at the time must’ve had him in a good mood.
Reporter Jeff Van Gundy told Pop that if he answers in more than seven words, then there will only be one question. After he answered in five words, Van Gundy went to end the interview when Pop began to throw a fit. He then shook his body and stomped his foot, yelling, “There’s no second one? Give me a second one. I want a second one.”
Ejection Record
In April 2019, in a matchup against the Nuggets, Popovich set an NBA record for both players and coaches after he was ejected just 63 seconds into the game. Pop was unhappy about a no-call and quickly picked up two techs, making him watch the rest of the game from the locker room.
After the game, Pop crashed Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone’s press conference to say hello since he was unable to be on the court. Malone mentions that they were talking about an NBA record that was just set.
When Malone said someone got thrown out in 63 seconds, Popovich replied in a sarcastic tone, “Are you serious? That person must’ve hit somebody. Did somebody get hit tonight or cursed at or anything?” Pop was angry at the moment, but being able to joke about it is what makes him so legendary.
Hack-A-Shaq
Pop typically takes his coaching seriously and saves his playful antics for when the game isn’t being played. This time was different. In the 2008 playoffs, Pop used the hack-a-Shaq strategy, which consisted of fouling Shaquille O’Neal, forcing him to shoot free throws, a part of his game that he struggled with. Shaq made it known that he was not pleased with the strategy.
In the following season, when Popovich coached against Shaq, he had one of his players foul him five seconds into the game. The broadcast crew was initially confused but once they realized what had happened, they found it amusing. Pop and Shaq then shared a laugh, and the game went on.
Only Two
Pop likes to keep his mid-game interviews short. Throughout his coaching career, he has been very strict on two questions. Not more and not less.
During a 2012 interview with Charles Barkley, Popovich was cooperative and gave solid answers for the first two questions. However, as soon as Barkley went for a third, Pop interrupted, saying, “That’s a third question, isn’t it? Don’t you just get two?” Barkley began laughing and said, “My bad” as they both walked away.
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