Fansided

Gregg Popovich disappointed in Mike Budenholzer’s sideline interviews

By John Buhler

Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches from the sidelines Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches from the sidelines Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is “very disappointed” with his protégé, Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, on how he handles sideline interviews.

According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich wishes that his longtime top assistant, Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, would be a bit more animated when doing sideline interviews.

When Mike Budenholzer was in the Alamo City for 17 seasons learning from Popovich, Bud certainly picked up on many of Pop’s eccentric traits as a coach. However, Budenholzer does not like to mess with the NBA sideline reporters like his mentor Popovich thoroughly enjoys.

It has become a nation-wide phenomenon watching sideline reporters with TNT, ABC, or ESPN trying to pry in-game analysis from Gregg Popovich. He’ll often answer questions he doesn’t like with abrupt, one-word responses. Popovich wasn’t always this blunt with the media, but winning over 50 games in 16 straight seasons and five NBA Titles gives him the self-proclaimed freedom to interact with the media as he pleases.

Popovich stated, “I’m very disappointed in Bud’s courtesy and civility in those interviews. I’d like him to be, more curt, short, and rude. Like me.”

Perhaps Mike Budenholzer will one day get to that point, but he needs to have more success and stability in Atlanta for that to happen. Until last season, the Hawks never made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and were in the midst of a racial controversy that caused ownership to change hands.

Entering 2015-16 maybe Bud starts to get a little cocky should the Hawks get off to a fast start. His team did win 60 games last year and now has the backing a new ownership group, led by majority owner Tony Ressler and former NBA great Grant Hill. As Budenholzer establishes a winning culture in Atlanta, look for him to possibly become even more like Popovich. Budenholzer is the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, so maybe the curt comments are coming in 2015-16 after all.

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