This Wizard of Oz curtain of all-powerful greater good needs to come crashing down. Don't look behind the curtain @Outlier , you might not like what you find.
Pop's an authoritarian dickhole but everyone knew that, including Kawhi, when he signed a 5 year extension. This is all about the uncle gaining more and more influence over Kawhi over the years to the point that now Kawhi is a mute dickhole. Fack 'em both, I hope Spurs are trash and I hope Kawhi gets traded to a shitty team and he and his uncle never win anything.
Excellent post @heypartner , and the parallel is beyond accurate. I would never discredit Pops' genius as a coach, thinker, motivator and legend, but even legends have to adapt. That hasn't happened in years. Pops used to get by on optics, but when a guy like LaMarcus (whom I've met numerous times), a joyful clown in Manu and one of the hardest workers in Patty begin to suggest their unhappiness, there's a greater issue. I can name a few other players from that org (based on what their reps discuss), but in general, the only players who are truly happy under the RC/POP/IME program is Murray (he has the keys to Avery Johnson's job). The other guys fear not being able to play in a different system and they have been conditioned to be a team, through and through. That doesn't sound too bad, but there are no individuals on the Spurs because it is not permitted. No one believed Rodman. One of my longest known "associations" in Captain Jack respects the hell out of Pops, but he was pushed out of San Antonio because of his strong-willed demeanor. There is one voice in SA, and it's Pops. That voice ran out, and it's been coming. Pops has been lucky to have Tim and Drob defend him for decades. Avery Johnson has discussed numerous times how upset he felt playing under that system, EVEN if they were winning. Take a look at the Spurs championship videos. Sure, there's smiling, but the joy is mild compared to say, that amazing Detroit Pistons team or when Chris Bosh auditioned for a second career. Anyway, I feel badly for Pops. He lost his love. He needs a break. His conservative approach no longer reaches the likes of Kawhi (who you have to nurture as an introvert) or LMA (who you have to nurture as a declining first option) The Spurs are one of the best orgs in sports we'll ever witness, but Kawhi may be that first Jenga piece that shows wins don't yield trust, happiness, contentment and strong family dynamics.
Defending the *******, dick coach to the very end. Just like ppl in Indiana and Illinois did with Bobby Knight, way longer than he deserved.
Think about what JVG did with Sprewell and a declining first option in Ewing. This is the great skill of coaches of a different cloth like Rudy and JVG, who have zero ego. Neither of those coaches would have failed to balance the differing wants of LMA and Kawhi. Pops made a mistake in solving the LMA whining problem last year, but in a way that assumed Kawhi would stay in line, and take one for the team. Doesn't mean Rudy and JVG are better coaches, but they would never lose the franchise player to a whining star in decline, declining not only in skill, but in a skill set that the entire league is moving away from.
You don't have to like the analogy, some will get it, and not assume I mean Pops is as mental as Knight. Codman gets it. But I honestly believe it is best for the game for the players' truth to come out about Pops, eventually. And I hope fans don't defend Pops to the bitter end like their love of the game depends upon it, like they did Bobby Knight.
Agree that he needs a break or vacation, he just lost his wife 2-3 months ago. Hard to imagine him not being in a “swell” mood or healthy state of mind.
The player's truth is already out on Gregg Popovich. Hundreds and hundreds of ex-player interviews are available for you to research, so let's stop this couch casting laziness. Codman too. Blaming Gregg Popovich for this mess is weak sauce. The guy has a track record and a history beyond anything we have ever seen in an NBA coach. No one has more love and respect around the league. Kawhi Leonard is mentally weak, and that will be broadcasted for the world to see when Popovich is no longer covering for him.
So now when someone has a death in the family, we get to judge what that person "needs" to do with their life. Good call fellas.
