San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game ... [+] against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reservedWith the San Antonio Spurs welcoming a splash of young talent this summer, it was expected head coach Gregg Popovich would stick around for one or two more seasons before riding off into the sunset.
As it turns out, he’ll have his handprints on the organization for the next half-decade.
The Spurs announced Saturday that Popovich has signed a new five-year contract to remain with the team.
Popovich, 74, just completed the final year of his contract in 2022-23, guiding the Spurs through the initial phase of a rebuild. Although he made it clear during his exit interview that he planned to keep coaching, there was no ink put to paper until the opening weekend of Summer League.
Per Spotrac’s salary tracker, this five-year deal will be worth $80 million total. It makes Popovich, once again, the NBA’s highest-paid coach. After Monty Williams signed a record-breaking contract with the Pistons for six years and $78.5 million, a major question swirling around the league was how the coaching market would look in the future.
Popovich has unequivocally earned this distinction.
He’s amassed 1,366 victories in his coaching career, winning nearly 65% of his games. In March 2022, he passed Don Nelson for the most coaching wins in NBA regular season history. As of now, he’s third in all-time playoff wins, trailing only Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. Popovich’s playoff record (170-114) is almost identical to Riley’s (171-111), with both having five championships as head coach.
Perhaps the most impressive yet under-discussed feat of his career is coaching at a 50-win pace for 20 straight seasons. From 1997 to 2017, San Antonio never dipped below 50 wins unless there was a lockout-shortened schedule. With the amount of player movement and instability in the modern NBA, it’s a safe bet that achievement will never be matched.
It should be noted that Popovich is more than just a coaching voice for the Spurs. He also serves as the franchise’s president of basketball operations, working in conjunction with general manager Brian Wright and CEO R.C. Buford to make roster decisions and transactions.
The Spurs’ announcement of this new contract didn’t specify it was for a coaching role, meaning this could still be a situation where Popovich doesn’t want to be on the sidelines for the next five years. In theory, he could a couple more seasons, step down from that role, and remain a prominent member of the Spurs’ front office for the rest of his contract. While those terms haven’t been released, per the team’s policy, that could be a logical outcome if he decides to step away from the day-to-day coaching experience and constant travel.
Popovich will be 79 years old during the final year of his new deal, with rookie Victor Victor Wembanyama likely entering the first season of a Designated Rookie Extension — if everything goes as planned for the 7’5” phenom.
Just like Popovich helped a young Tim Duncan navigate through the early stages of his career, he clearly wanted to be the same type of voice for Wembanyama. While the player should get the vast majority of credit for blossoming into a champion and generational talent — Duncan would have been legendary with or without the Spurs’ leaders — it’s meaningful for Wembanyama to have someone in his corner that knows the proper steps and values patience.
San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama drives against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of ... [+] an NBA summer league basketball game Friday, July 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Shortly after Wembanyama was drafted No. 1 overall, Popovich mentioned in a press conference just how important it will be to temper expectations for his rookie year.
“It’s about not skipping steps, which I say often,” he expressed. “It’s A, to B, to C, and to D. On a variety of levels. One is the Xs and Os of the game, the rules are a little bit different than FIBA. He’ll have to get used to that. Because of the all the hype, he’ll have a target on his back. More than Xs and Os, to begin with, we’ll be interested in setting a framework in an environment where he’s comfortable. Where he can be Victor.”
Popovich also made it clear: This is a unique player and they will not fall into the comparisons to other rookie sensations. Through Pop’s leadership, the Spurs are determined to be there every step of the way for Wembanyama and every rookie that walks into their organization.
To Popovich, it’s not about forcing anything on him or the young guys. The “helicopter-like” approach, as he called it, is not a good way to start off any working relationship.
“He’s not LeBron or Tim [Duncan], or Kobe, or anybody else,” Popovich said. “He’s Victor. And that’s who we want him to be. So, we’ll do what we have done in the past with any player — we’ll observe. We’ll be there to counsel, to suggest, to answer questions, and be available as they matriculate into a team, into a city and home. Where they’re going to eat their meals, who’s going to make their meals, everyone facet of an existence — we’ll be very observant.”
With the influx of young talent in San Antonio, this will be a new challenge for Popovich and his coaching staff. Aside from Wemby, the city and organization are thrilled to see Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell continue their development as prolific scoring wings. Julian Champagnie, who only appeared in 15 games for the Spurs after they claimed him off waivers, is already impressing the team and showing off his supreme skills at the Las Vegas Summer League. Champagnie signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $12 million contract with San Antonio on July 6, giving them a quality 22-year-old forward that can guard multiple positions and fit directly into the Spurs’ culture of selfless creation.
This contract for Popovich has to signal that he’s optimistic about the team’s immediate future. Sure, they won’t be contenders or playoff threats right away, but someone in Pop’s shoes probably doesn’t want that type of pressure when the average age of the rotation will likely be the lowest in franchise history.
It will be fascinating to see how many national television games the Spurs are given when the NBA releases its schedule in August. This team might not be making noise in the West, but there’s no denying they will be among the most entertaining squads and near the top of any ‘League Pass rankings’ for excitement.
Shane Young, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaneyoung/2023/07/09/gregg-popovich-signs-new-five-year-contract-with-san-antonio-spurs-ready-to-guide-a-young-roster/
By: Shane Young, Contributor
Title: Gregg Popovich Signs New Five-Year Contract With San Antonio Spurs, Ready To Guide A Young Roster
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/shaneyoung/2023/07/09/gregg-popovich-signs-new-five-year-contract-with-san-antonio-spurs-ready-to-guide-a-young-roster/
Published Date: 07-10-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Bill Russell pass?
"The great ones are the ones who play when it matters most." -Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. Legends die when they stop playing.
But those were just a few moments that gave us a glimpse at the greatness of the greatest basketball player.
Russell was born in February 1934. He died on July 31, 2022. In just 13 seasons, he won 11 championships for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell received five MVP Awards and 12 All-Star selections. In the Basketball Hall of Fame, he was also inducted. His passion for winning made him a great leader and defender.
He turned the Celtics into one of the most successful dynasties in sports, from a weak team to one that was exemplary. He was a hard worker and a teammate who believed in his teammates.
Russell has inspired generations. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. We will forever remember you as one of basketball's greatest players.
Which player is the greatest in basketball?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. Some of the most prominent contenders for this title include Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as well as Kareem AbdulJabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James. Each of these legends has made an incredible impact on the game of basketball and has earned their place in basketball history. Each of these legends have their own styles of play, which have been admired worldwide by millions. This makes it difficult to say definitively who is the greatest player ever. It is clear that the six most outstanding players on any list of greatest players must be included.
However, most people agree that Michael Jordan is indeed the greatest basketball player of all time. He was born in Wilmington (North Carolina) on February 17, 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball playing with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He soon became one his era's most popular and successful players. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan, a two-time Olympic gold winner, was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan's remarkable ability to score from any position on the court, make plays and lead the team is what will be remembered. Because of his unwavering ambition and drive, Jordan will always be an inspiration for millions.
Jordan's legacy will last forever. He is undisputedly the greatest basketball player ever. His level of greatness is unparalleled by any other player. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports figures in history. Michael Jordan is simply the greatest ever. His remarkable career and achievements will be remembered forever. He was, is and will always be "The Goat," The One and Only Michael Jordan.
What is a restricted-free agent in NBA?
An NBA restricted-free agent is a player whose rookie contract has been completed and who becomes an unrestricted, free agent. However, their rights are still owned by their previous team. In this case, the team can match any offer sheet made to them by another team. If they do, the player must continue to play for their team and remain within their contract. This allows players to be retained who have been valuable in the past, but are not currently able or able afford them. This type of restricted free agent can give teams valuable flexibility in building their rosters.
Statistics
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams Will Join the Victor Wembanyama Tankathon?
- Recent NBA Intel: Sources expect Zach LaVine will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls
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How To
Are NBA players paid when injured?
NBA players with guaranteed contracts get their money in full, even if they are unable or injured to play. Some even have made millions playing basketball without ever having to play a single game. However, they may lose out on bonus payments and their contract might not be renewed. Non-guaranteed contract players won't typically be paid until they are able to play again in the NBA. The NBA can provide some assistance with disability payments or a lump sum settlement for those who qualify, but there is no guarantee of pay during an injury absence. Additional assistance may be offered by the league or teams on a case-by–case basis.
The Injury Disability Plan can be used to help teams. Ultimately, it depends on the individual and his team's situation. In some cases, players may be able to negotiate a buyout with their teams to receive some money during their injury absence. While there is no guarantee that players will receive payment if they are injured, the league and team can offer some assistance. It is essential to keep in mind that each situation is unique and should be assessed on an individual basis. The NBA has extensive rules concerning injuries and payments in the event of injury absences. This can be helpful for players to make financial decisions or reach an agreement with teams. For any questions or concerns, it is important that you consult a professional.
