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San Antonio Spurs news: HC Gregg Popovich is likely to return next season

By Dylan Carter

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 07, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 07, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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This is the San Antonio Spurs news that fans had probably been nervous about as it pertains to this season: Head coach Gregg Popovich wants to keep going.

Not all San Antonio Spurs news is good news these days but it sounds like we’ve got some positive confirmation about next season. During his final post-game press conference of the 2019-20 NBA season, storied head coach Gregg Popovich made a huge statement about his expectations for next season.

As reported by esteemed reporter/columnist Marc Stein of the New York Times, Popovich had a simple response when asked if he would be returning to coach in the 2020-21 season: “Why wouldn’t I?”

Well, there are a lot of reasons why Popovich might call it quits. First and foremost, he’s a 71-year-old man coaching a professional basketball team in the midst of a global pandemic. There are serious risks involved in keeping this going as his age puts him at risk from the COVID-19 virus. There’s also the fact that he’s one of the three oldest head coaches in NBA history and his 22-year playoff streak was snapped in a season full of turmoil.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich’s streak of 22 straight seasons in the Playoffs is the longest streak by any head coach/manager in U.S Sports History (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB).

— Jordan Howenstine (@AirlessJordan) August 13, 2020

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Still, no one should be surprised that Pop is ready to keep this going. He’s a true ambassador of the game who used his platform to discuss the most important issues in this country. During a pivotal election year with the nation in flux, it’d be hard to see Popovich turn down an opportunity to speak up for what he believes in. Oh yeah, and he’s a legendary coach!

Popovich is arguably the single-best coach in NBA history with records unlike anyone has ever achieved. When you combine the regular season and the playoffs, Pop has more wins than any coach in NBA history. He has unfinished business with a group that will greatly benefit from his guidance after picking three players in last year’s draft and another two more on the way in the 2020 NBA Draft.

When the time comes and Popovich ends his tenure in the league, he’s going to do it on his terms. It’s more likely for him to coach in the Olympics next season and call it quits afterward. Still, Popovich is forever. It seriously wouldn’t be surprising to see Popovich coach until he’s 75-years-old or so before retiring to a beautiful home with a stacked wine cellar.

Next. Four Spurs who made the most of their time in Orlando

Popovich is one of a kind and the Spurs would be lost without him as their leader.