In San Antonio, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is gearing his team up for another long NBA season. While the Spurs are not expected to be very competitive in the West this season, Popovich is sure to keep them somewhat relevant as one of the wisest and most experienced voices in the league.
But at 73 years old, one has to wonder what it is that keeps him going after all these years. Apparently, as he told the media this week, the answer is quite simple.
Pop on what drives him to return year after year: “…My paycheck.”
Pop on what drives him to return year after year: “…My paycheck.”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) September 26, 2022
With a salary of roughly $11 million a year, Popovich has a net worth of over $40 million and it has put him right up there as the NBA’s highest-earning coach.
The Indiana-born, nicknamed ‘Coach Pop’ leads the list of highest-paid coaches with $11.5 million. Behind him is Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors with $9.5 million. Tied in third place are Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers and Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat with $8.5 million.
The other coaches with substantial salary figures are Mike Budenholzer (Milwaukee Bucks), Steve Nash (Brooklyn Nets), and Nick Nurse (Toronto Raptors), with $8 million each.
It might sound like a lot of money for a coach, but Popovich has been key to San Antonio’s success in recent years. Besides his expert understanding of the game, Gregg has a natural leadership ability that makes him an easy person to follow.
Popovich’s Coaching Future Is Clouded In Uncertainty
The only question for Pop now is, what comes next? While we know he would never coach an NBA team other than the Spurs, there have been rumblings that he is close to retirement.
With so much money already in his pocket, there is really nothing holding him back from walking away right now.
But it is no secret that Pop genuinely enjoys coaching his current group, and he is being heard in that locker room louder than ever.
It remains to be seen where the Spurs will finish this year, but there is a lot of optimism about what they can become as a team. If Popovich continues to make a difference for these players, it could be the push that gets them back in a state of contention.
