DeMar DeRozan has high praise for Gregg Popovich

DeMar DeRozan does not expect the Toronto Raptors to have a huge advantage over the San Antonio Spurs in their game on Friday despite San Antonio’s injuries.

Kawhi Leonard is out with a quad injury, Rudy Gay has a heel issue, and Manu Ginobili has a thigh injury. Despite those injuries, DeRozan knows the 30-16 Spurs will be a tough opponent, and it’s thanks to Gregg Popovich.

Here’s what the Raptors star said about Pop:

DeRozan, asked how Spurs do 'next man up' so well: "I don’t know. Pop knows something we don’t know. Because I’ve been watching them my whole career, being a fan of his resume growing up. It’s amazing how he do it. I have no clue how he do it. Hopefully one day I can ask him"

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 19, 2018

The Spurs haven’t exactly been as invincible as DeRozan suggests. They’ve lost to the Lakers and Hawks in recent games. But they still have LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol, Danny Green and guys like Patty Mills playing well. Plus players like Dejounte Murray and Davis Bertans have done well with their extra playing time, which is partially a tribute to Pop.

Toronto should be heavily favored for the game, but it’s clear DeRozan has no lack of respect for their opponent.