David Zalubowski / Associated Press
The Brooklyn Nets have ambitious plans for their opening at head coach, reported goalie San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Although the 71-year-old has given no indication that he wants to leave San Antonio, the Nets “intend to seriously explore the possibilities with Popovich.”
The Spurs come off a 32-39 season, missing the playoffs for the first time since Popovich’s first year with the team in 1996-97.
In his 24 seasons with the Spurs, Popovich has led his team to four NBA titles and 1,277 wins in the regular season, third most in league history.
Even if he comes from a disappointing season, he is ready to hold coaching in 2020-21.
It may be difficult for the Nets to keep him away from the Spurs, but they are clearly looking for someone who can turn the team into a direct candidate next season.
Despite ending the year with a first round by the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn expects to have healthy Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant next year, costing a combined $ 300 million as free agents. With players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen emerging as quality contributors, this squad could be dangerous in the Eastern Conference.
The first step is finding a coach after Kenny Atkinson was fired in March. Jacque Vaughn was the interim coach via the NBA reboot, but the team apparently keeps his options open.
General manager Sean Marks has previously denied that the team is targeting Popovich.
“Pop has a job. I’ll say that,” Marks said WFANs Joe and Evan in July (h / t Nick Friar of NetsWire). “And, of course, we all know he’s a great, great coach – and to be honest, an even better leader. That’s why I let Pop continue coaching the Spurs. He’s to blame and they owe it to him. I’m sure he’s pretty happy there. “
Charania also called the veteran coach’s landing a “pipe dream for now, “but the Nets will apparently at least try to lure him away from the Spurs.
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