San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich: ‘I can’t make every decision for you’

Although Gregg Popovich has been one of the elite coaches in the NBA, winning four titles since taking over as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996.

Popovich has never taken the bulk of the credit for the Spurs’ success and explained why.

“A lot depends on the competitiveness and the character of the player.,” Popovich told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express News.  Often times, I’ll appeal to that. Like, I can’t make every decision for you. I don’t have 14 timeouts. You guys got to get together and talk. You guys might see a mismatch that I don’t see. You guys need to communicate constantly — talk, talk, talk to each other about what’s going on on the court.”

Popovich believes communication is the key.

“I think that communication thing really helps them,” Popovich explained. “It engenders a feeling that they can actually be in charge. I think competitive character people don’t want to be manipulated constantly to do what one individual wants them to do. It’s a great feeling when players get together and do things as a group. Whatever can be done to empower those people.”

Popovich’s Spurs will again be a factor deep in the postseason. They are 44-16, the second best record in the Western Conference.