5 best Gregg Popovich quotes of all time

2. “Now, ask me a couple of inane questions”

Although many around the NBA community anticipated the return of the late Craig Sager, most awaited the return of Sager’s interviews with Gregg Popovich. Countless individuals tuned in to see Popovich’s more emotional side as he welcomed his long-time co-worker back to the court. Popovich and Sager’s relationship was known as playful, but professional nonetheless. During his time away from the sideline, Popovich expressed his eagerness for Sager to return to health and back to work, the time had finally come.

Popovich, as expected, embraced Sager and even went as far as to say he enjoyed an interview for the first time in his life. All due to Sager’s presence. The Spurs’ coach welcomed Sager back and hugged him before making a personality defining statement. “Now, ask me a couple of inane questions,” Pop declared with a smile spanning his whole face.

Sager asked his questions, but was soon reminded of the hardships he faced while interviewing Popovich. Poor word choice led to Popovich walking away from the second question without an answer. Sager used the word happy.

As Popovich walked away, questioning “am I happy?” mockingly to Sager, Sager looked at Pop and stated “I’m happy to see you.” Popovich patted Sager on the chest and back, simply responding “you too, love you” and walking away.

Sager’s return to the sideline was all that everyone hoped it would be. He interviewed Popovich, they laughed together, showed glimpses of vintage Pop/Sager interviews, and embraced each other in an emotional homecoming. Popovich and Sager possessed a special relationship throughout their many years as colleagues, as seen in Popovich’s emotional eulogy to Sager, following the passing of the NBA icon.