Gregg Popovich jokes on what motivates him to still coach at 73: 'My paycheck' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Legendary Gregg Popovich is entering his 27th season in a row as a head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.

Though, this one is quite different from the others since 1996. San Antonio is experiencing a massive rebuild whose roster currently consists of six rookies, two second-year players, and two third-year athletes.

Speaking to reporters at the team's media day, Popovich gave some advice to those in attendance.

"I probably shouldn't say this but nobody here should go to Vegas and bet on this team to win the championship," he said. Popovich then expanded, saying the goal of the season is to develop young players to have "long NBA careers."

Coach Pop became the all-time winningest head coach in NBA history last season. Now, he has 1,344 victories during his years with the Spurs.

San Antonio made the playoffs in 22 consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2019 under Popovich, winning five NBA championships. Popovich won three NBA Coach of the Year awards and was selected as the head coach of the NBA All-Star Game four times.

Seems that the 73-year-old specialist has achieved everything throughout the long coaching years. So, what makes him return year after year?

"My paycheck," Popovich responded with a smile on his face.

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