Could the Nets actually pry Gregg Popovich from San Antonio?
The Brooklyn Nets just fired up their fanbase with an enchanting underdog run in Orlando led by Jacque Vaughn — and yet all the buzz in the world surrounding GM Sean Marks’ next task involves getting down on one knee on the doorstep of a Hall of Famer in an attempt to convince him to leave his entrenched home to coach KD and Kyrie.
For the first time ever, is that door seemingly a little ajar?
We’re now in a world where this appears to be a three-horse race between interim darling Vaughn, Clippers assistant Tyronn Lue and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, though no matter who else is in the room, Marks’ eye continues to wander to the Pop Meter in his corner office.
It goes without saying that the legendary Popovich, a fish out of water candidate in BK, is the most compelling of the three candidates, and fans in Brooklyn will be thrilled to hear that San Antonio has opened the door, even if only slightly, for his potential departure.
Spurs open door slightly for Nets' Gregg Popovich dream scenario https://t.co/QgfGLNI4cS pic.twitter.com/avMQTtKBec
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 31, 2020
Spurs CEO RC Buford has stated numerous times in recent months that there’s been no evidence to suggest that Popovich isn’t planning to return for his 25th season at the helm in San Antonio. With that being said, he also made it a priority to avoid making any assurances about the future first-ballot Hall of Famer’s intentions.
"“Pop has shown nothing other than how we’re going to build our team for next year,” Buford told CNBC in a recent interview. “His vision will be in play long after his presence. That doesn’t mean it’ll be him in there making those decisions, but we’ve all learned together, and you’re not going to step away from a values-based, team-building aspect that focuses on culture and coming to work every day and working on it.”"
While it certainly leans towards a reunion, this statement genuinely offers zero guarantees regarding Popovich’s future, and Buford has officially stated in recent days that he’s “under the assumption” his Hall of Famer will be on the sidelines in 2020-21. But you know what they say about assumptions.
It’d be one thing if Buford came out and vehemently denied any speculation that the coaching legend would entertain offers from the Nets (or other teams), but that simply isn’t the case. He’s leaving the door open, and considering the circumstances, that should leave Nets Nation feeling hopeful, with the coaching search seemingly in full swing.
Inside Pass on @TheAthleticNBA: Sources say the Nets are interested in Spurs icon Gregg Popovich and will explore possibility as head coaching search begins. https://t.co/FgEaC3whXR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 24, 2020
What makes Pop such an apparent fit in Brooklyn is his relationship with Marks, who played for and worked under the five-time champion. The duo enjoyed tremendous success during their time together, winning rings in both 2005 and 2014.
Nobody’s saying that Popovich is a surefire bet to spurn the Spurs, but the fact that he and Buford haven’t made any tangible statements regarding next season certainly bodes well for Brooklyn’s chances at convincing him to coach an undeniably talented roster that will be returning two superstars.