On Friday, Gregg Popovich handed Don Nelson to turn out to be the NBA’s all-time wins chief (1,336) — the most recent achievement in his legendary profession.
He has redefined small-market success, successful 5 championships and making a report 22 consecutive postseasons with a Spurs franchise whose largest free-agent splash was LaMarcus Aldridge.
In his twin position as president of basketball operations, he quietly constructed a dynasty on homegrown and worldwide expertise — specifically Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.
- Pop has the third-best win proportion (.658) for coaches with a minimal 1,000 video games, trailing Phil Jackson (.704) and Purple Auerbach (.661).
- His 5 rings are tied for third-most behind Jackson (11) and Auerbach (9).
- Popovich turned the primary head coach in NBA historical past to guide the identical group for two,000 or extra video games.
- He’s the longest-tenured coach in all 4 of the main U.S. sports activities
The highest-paid coach ($11M) within the NBA has revolutionized the sport in additional methods than one as an advocate and trailblazer in sports activities science.
Final 12 months, the Spurs invested $510 million in a 45-acre sports activities science and drugs campus.
Similar to when he took over the Spurs in 1996, his job is to show a rebuilding Spurs group round — after lacking the final two postseasons, they’re struggling to get right into a play-in spot.