When talking about the greatest coaches in basketball history, Spurs legend Gregg Popovich is usually somewhere near the top.
His system coupled with the way he communicates with his players makes for a really solid framework and has no doubt contributed to San Antonio’s record of excellence in the NBA.
So when he took over the Team USA job from Mike Krzyzewski, everybody was hopeful that the U.S. would continue its dominance in the sport.
Instead, the results haven’t exactly been up to par, and Popovich is one of the public’s favorite figures to blame.
“I’ve always said Gregg Popovich is one of the greatest NBA coaches in history but he’s also one of the worst international coaches. … I’m not going to write Team USA off completely. But I might be surprised if they win the gold, more so than if they lose it.”
"I've always said Gregg Popovich is one of the greatest NBA coaches in history but he's also one of the worst international coaches. … I'm not going to write Team USA off completely. But I might be surprised if they win the gold, more so than if they lose it." — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/36327r2JqQ
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 26, 2021
It sounds pretty harsh, and perhaps it is. Popovich has a resume very few in NBA history have even come close to.
But in regards to Team USA specifically, the numbers aren’t very encouraging. Coach K went 24-0 in the Olympics, while Pop is already 9-5.
While nobody can pinpoint what, exactly, is the problem with Team USA, a report has already surfaced claiming some players are unhappy with the way their coach has run the offense.
As unfair as it might be to criticize Popovich like this (especially considering his resume as a coach), it’s normal given the expectations people have for USA basketball.
The bottom line is, we’re the best in the world, and the roster this year reflects that. Nobody expects them to be struggling like this because, well, they really shouldn’t be. The team is too talented and too good.
Nonetheless, it’s not quite over yet and it will be interesting to see if they can bounce back.
