OT: Is Pop still considered in the NBA coach GOAT conversation?

[gamecockcat]

Yes, he won championships with a ridiculously loaded roster. Since then...not so much. The past several years, they've been completely awful, showing no signs of revitalization. I totally get that coaches need good players but sure doesn't appear to me that SA has improved over the past few years with 'upgrading' the roster and all of his 'genius'. Wemby looks to be a star, but they're on pace to win <20 games this year.

I don't really follow the NBA but lived in SA for several years (2007 was the first and a championship year), so I very casually look at their box score. They're really bad this year and have been bad for several years.

 

[BlueBomb]

Good question. Worthy debate.

My take is GOAT -- no way. Somewhere in the 4-6 range.

 

[ManitouDan]

I used to like him , and he's a great coach , but a liberal dumbass away from hoops. And loud about it too.

 

[ManitouDan]

Go woke , go broke ? Maybe his disease is killing him ? I jest .. damn good coach .

 

[ukfan1622]

I don't think he's in the running for GOAT but he is definitely an all-time great. Very few coaches have won championships without star studded rosters. The last few years have been a rebuild that will be over soon. Some games this year all five starters have been 23 or younger and several 20 or younger. The other night against the Lakers their 19 year old 7'5" not a bust rookie scored 27 with 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals. They will likely be near .500 the last 30 games this year and will have another lottery pick next year and tons of cap money. The Spurs future looks VERY bright.

 

[drcats2013]

I don’t like anyone that is too far one sided politically. Pop fits that mold. He wouldn’t like me and I don’t like him. That said, he’s top 5 for sure for me. Not sure how he could be the goat, though.

 

[BigTyrone]

He’s up there, but I don’t know how he could objectively be ahead of Phil Jackson or Red Auerbach. There are probably several other guys after those two who would rank ahead of GP.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

The GOAT is Auerbach.

After that there’s a discussion.

Some will say Jackson. Maybe Riley?

Pop is in the conversation. Kerr maybe one day?

Hubie. Red Holtzman (sp?)

Spoelstra is a genius coach. Russell was a hell of a coach in addition to his play.

Lue is very good. Many love Doc.

 

[MegaBlue05]

How did I know someone would bring up “woke.” Tribalism is dumb.

To the topic, he’s top 10 but not close to the top spot.

 

[bIhawk]

Someone brought up "woke" because Popovich is woke. It's as simple as that. Nowadays, he's just as much of a political talking head as he is a basketball coach. So someone pointing out his very aggressive politics is totally appropriate.

 

[ManitouDan]

Someone brought up "woke" because Popovich is woke. It's as simple as that. Nowadays, he's just as much of a political talking head as he is a basketball coach. So someone pointing out his very aggressive politics is totally appropriate.

Thank you . Pop brought this on himself — he chose to be an activist / influencer. Like I said , still a great coach

 

[SemperFiCat]

Pop is on the list, for sure. That said, he'll be higher on ESPN's list for obvious reasons.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Auerbach, Jackson, and Riley are all ahead of him by a country mile.

 

[plumdog69]

Id say Popavich is in the jackass fool conversation. That’s it. Clown.

 

[gamecockcat]

Good points on both sides. I think I agree that he's certainly top 10 but not in the conversation for best ever. I will say that, if the Spurs sputter for another few years before he retires, he may not be viewed as a top 10 coach but more of a coach who fell backasswards into the butter with Robinson, Duncan, Ginobili, Kawhi and Parker making him look much better than he actually was.

 

[bthaunert]

Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach are a clear 1-2 for me. I'd put Riley next as the current 7 year slide by Pop (the last 5 really bad) takes him a step down imo. Pop would definitely be considered for #4.