The NBA’s offseason is always full of surprising moves. One move, in particular, could once again alter the balance of power in the league. The Athletic’s NBA Insider Shams Charania posted a tweet stating that the Brooklyn Nets are interested in bringing in long-time San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich.
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
Coach Pop’s resume speaks for itself. He has been the cornerstone of the Spurs, the NBA’s most consistently great team over the last two decades. Being a five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Coach of the Year puts Pop in the conversation for best head coach of all time. However, no one can imagine him coaching a different team. Could Coach Pop be on way to Brooklyn? Should he leave the Spurs?
NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets Want Gregg Popovich
Why Pop Should Go To the Brooklyn Nets
For the first time in 22 years, the Spurs failed to reach the NBA Playoffs. Their roster has seen changes over the last five seasons and could be undergoing more. Players like DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge could be moved this offseason. Coach Pop might have maxed out with the Spurs. The Nets are in the position to take over the Eastern Conference next season with All-Star tandem Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the way. They will bring back most of their main pieces and have a healthy Durant. Coach Pop is the type of head coach the Nets need. He maximizes all of his players’ best skills. He knows how to keep everybody on the same page. Adding Coach Pop will make the Nets the tentative favorites to win the NBA Finals in 2021.
Why He Shouldn’t Go
Coach Pop is getting close to retiring. He has done everything there is to do in the NBA and more. His playoff streak being snapped could be an indication of coaching fatigue. The controversy with Kawhi Leonard in 2018 was an indication of possible changes within the Spurs’ organization. The talent level and personalities in the lockerroom are different from what Coach Pop is used to. He is one of the last figures remaining from his era. Those factors could push him to hang it up. On the other side, Coach Pop probably wants to go out with the Spurs making it into the playoffs. Whether he wins a title or not, keeping their playoff tradition alive would be a great ending to a legendary career.
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