gregg popovich

Gregg Popovich Defends Kawhi Leonard As Spurs Fans Boo Clippers Star

by

Gregg Popovich actively defended his former star Kawhi Leonard when Spurs fans booed the Clipper during a free throw attempt. Popovich addressed the crowd via a microphone on the scorer’s table towards the end of the second quarter. “Excuse me for a second. Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. That’s not who we are. Knock off the booing,” the veteran coach said to the crowd. After the game, Popovich explained his actions as not wanting to “poke the bear”. “I think anybody that knows anything about sports — you don’t poke the bear,” Popovich said.

However, the boos only increased after Popovich’s address. Despite this, Leonard put up a game-high 26 points, 18 of which came after Popovich’s comments. Leonard has long been booed due to his less-than-amicable exit from San Antonio in 2018. “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they’re probably going to boo me the rest of my career. But I mean it is what it is. Like I said, they’re one of the best fans in the league and they’re very competitive. Once I step out on this basketball court out here, they show that they’re going for the other side. When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants, they show love. So it is what it is,” Leonard said after the game.

Read More: Josh Giddey Accused Of Having Sexual Relationship With A Minor

Clippers Finally Find Their Footing

The 109-102 result over the Spurs, in which Victor Wembanyama put up a 22-point double-double, was the Clippers’ third consecutive win. That streak snapped a dismal 0-6 run that began James Harden’s tenure in LA. Granted, all three wins have come against lottery teams in the Rockets and Spurs. However, it’s a much-needed bounce-back that has the Clippers one game under .500 and two games back in their division.

Despite this, the real test looms for the Clippers. They end November with games against New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, Sacramento, and Golden State. That’s a mix of strong playoff contenders and seasoned rosters. As mentioned, it will be the first major test of whether the Clippers’ new-look roster has finally found its footing. Things do look promising. Despite his “I am a system” comments, Harden has settled into a facilitator role similar to the one he held in Philly. He currently leads the Clippers in assists, while Paul George and Leonard remain the primary scoring options.

Read More: LeBron James Speechless After Learning He’s Older Than Utah Jazz Head Coach

[via]

The post Gregg Popovich Defends Kawhi Leonard As Spurs Fans Boo Clippers Star appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Gregg Popovich Speaks Out About Gun Control

by

Gregg Popovich has never kept his political opinions to himself. Whether it’s saying that Trump’s election made him “sick to his stomach” or calling on politicians to address racial inequalities, Popovich has been a staunch advocate of liberal ideologies.

Guns are an ever-present element of American life and politics. The Second Amendment of the Constitution allows private citizens to own firearms and it is one of America’s most fiercely defended statutes. However, it is also one of the most hotly debated facets of American law. Mass shootings have become a common aspect of the news cycle, especially those that take place at educational institutions. However, despite tragedies such as the March 27 shooting at a Tennessee school, lawmakers in several states have pushed against gun control legislation. In some cases, states have passed laws that make firearms more readily available. This is despite a majority of Americans supporting stricter gun control. This trend led to Popovich speaking out over the weekend.

Popovich Blasts Lawmakers

During his media availability ahead of the Spurs’ April 9 regular-season finale against the Mavericks, Popovich gave a nine-minute speech about gun control. He primarily directed his comments at leaders in Texas, such as Governor Greg Abbott. “I just wondered because we have a governor and lieutenant governor and an attorney general that made it easier to have more guns…That was a response to our kids getting murdered. I just thought that was a little bit strange decision. It’s just me, though.” He also called out Texas Senator Ted Cruz by name as he lambasted the “myth of the Second Amendment”.

However, Popovich didn’t limit his comments to Texas alone. He also spoke about the Tennessee State House expelling two Black lawmakers for supporting a student-led gun control rally in early April. “I mean, we’ve got two young Black guys in Tennessee who just got railroaded by a bunch of people that I would bet down deep in their soul want to go back to Jim Crow. And what they just did is a good start. It’s beyond comprehension. And what were they guilty of? They actually protested?” Popovich said. With another mass shooting occurring earlier on April 10, Popovich’s words are likely to ring truer than ever.

[via]

Gregg Popovich Reveals Feelings On Phoenix Suns

by

Gregg Popovich knows a good team when he sees one. The legendary head coach has been a part of numerous championship teams. The San Antonio Spurs headman didn’t hold back his thoughts on this year’s Phoenix Suns. A team that is absolutely loaded with talent. Needless to say, Popovich is high on them. So high that he believes the Suns have what it takes to become champions. After the team’s met this past Tuesday, “Pop” was asked his thoughts on the new look Suns.

“You know, with Chris (Paul) being the point along with veterans like Book (Devin Booker) and KD (Kevin Durant), they can get it together,” Popovich said. “He’s a great leader. KD and Book know what it takes, Monty (Williams) and his staff do a great job. They would probably like to have a few more games to get a rhythm down, but they can still get it done, without a doubt.” A huge endorsement from one of the greatest minds in the history of the NBA.

Gregg Popovich Likes What He Sees In Phoenix

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center on April 04, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

The Suns are still chasing that elusive first franchise championship. The Team came up just short in 2021. As the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Suns in an all-time classic series. However, the addition of Kevin Durant has Phoenix looking like a completely different team. When Durant plays, the Suns are undefeated. His presence on the court changes the entire landscape of the team. Pairing up with Devin Booker and Chris Paul certainly makes the Suns a betting favorite for the NBA title.

As good as the Suns have become, Gregg Popovich’s Spurs are on the opposite end. The 2022-23 Spurs have their eyes set on the NBA Draft Lottery instead of the playoffs. But, the lottery will be no consultation prize this season. As teams will be clamoring to grab the French big man Victor Wembanyama. Needless to say, many believe that Wembanyama is an instant game changer. Something the Spurs desperately are in need of. Stay locked in for the latest news involving the NBA here at HNHH.

[Via]

SOURCE SPORTS: Wade, Nowitzki, Popovich, Hammon Among Finalists for 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Class

by
wade

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the selection of five coaches and seven players as Finalists from the North American and Women’s Screening committees for NBA All-Star Weekend 2023. The Finalists will subsequently be presented to the Honors Committee for consideration as members of the Class of 2023.

The North American Committee finalists feature Gene Bess, Pau Gasol, David Hixon, Gene Keady, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, and Dwyane Wade. The Women’s Committee finalists feature Jennifer Azzi, Gary Blair, Becky Hammon, and Marian Washington.

“Eleven first-time nominees make up this historic group of Class of 2023 finalists,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “It is an incredible honor to be named a Finalist for the Hall of Fame, and their recognition as a Finalist is evidence of the legendary accomplishments and dominance shown throughout their careers. The Class of 2023 will be remembered as one of the most distinguished classes the Hall of Fame will ever see, and we are extremely excited for this unparalleled collection of talent and achievement to be one step closer to Springfield.

“The Class of 2023 will be remembered as one of the most distinguished classes the Hall of Fame will ever see, and we are extremely excited for this unparalleled collection of talent and achievement to be one step closer to Springfield.”

The full Class of 2023 will be announced as part of the Hall of Fame Class Announcement on April 1 at 11:00 a.m. ET at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in Houston. Possible Enshrinees selected by the Direct Elect Committees may also be honored at the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The Class of 2023 will be inducted on August 11-12 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Cradle of Basketball.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Wade, Nowitzki, Popovich, Hammon Among Finalists for 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Class appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Spurs’ Gregg Popovich Ties Don Nelson for Most NBA Victories by a Head Coach

by
f

On Monday night, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers 117-110. That win makes coach Greg Popovich one win away from becoming the NBA’s all-time winningest head coach. Popovich is currently tied with Don Nelson at 1,335 victories.

On Wednesday, Popovich can break the record with a win against the Toronto Raptors. Nelson previously told reporters, “I can’t wait” for Popovich to break the record. “I want him to have it.”

The significant part about getting this record for Popovich is that all 1,335 victories came with the Spurs. In 1996, Popovich, then serving as San Antonio’s general manager, fired Bob Hill and inserted himself as his head coach. That proved to be a great move looking back. The Spurs have since become one of the winningest teams in NBA history under Popovich’s watchful eye. He’s won five championships during his time with the team, reaching the NBA Finals six times.

Popovich may go down as the greatest coach in NBA history. One more victory will all but lockdown that debate.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Spurs’ Gregg Popovich Ties Don Nelson for Most NBA Victories by a Head Coach appeared first on The Source.