The NBA gives Gregg Popovich the reigns to lead a great Western Conference
For the fourth time in his NBA coaching career, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has been announced as the Western Conference All-Star Game coach. The event will be Feb. 14 from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The game will air on TNT at 8 pm EST.
The coaching honor goes to the team with the best record in the NBA. While the Golden State Warriors are leading the league with a 41-4 record, coach Steve Kerr was in charge of the Western Conference team during last year’s game. The rules for the All-Star Game dictate that a coach cannot partake in back-to-back games. With a 38-7 record, Popovich’s Spurs have the next best record in the conference, earning him the coaching spot.
Coach Pop first led the NBA All-Star Game’s Western Conference during the 2004-2005 season. The Spurs also won their third NBA title during that time. He also coached during the 2010-2011 season and the 2012-2013 season, the latter of which his Spurs returned to the NBA Finals.
Known for his serious demeanor, Coach Pop has also been known to relax when the timing is right. It will be very interesting to see how he acts during the event that is compared to an exhibition game by most fans. Will we see some tough love by the coach, or a laid back attitude? I’m sure TNT will have a field day with that.
Canada will be buzzing when the All-Star Game heads up to Toronto. A legendary figure will try to coach his players to victory, and maybe even mess with Craig Sager whenever he gets the chance.