The relationship between Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and center Boban Marjanovic might be our new favorite player-coach dynamic in the NBA.
After Marjanovic strong-armed the Miami Heat to the tune of 19 points on 9/12 shooting in just 14 minutes in a blowout 112-88 San Antonio victory on Wednesday, Popovich humorously fired off some priceless soundbites about his 7-foot-3 big man, per Melissa Rohlin of the San Antonio Express-News.
Pop joking about Boban: "He should apologize to his team tomorrow for being so greedy. He just wanted to get his name in the paper."
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) March 24, 2016
Pop continued on Boban: "He's one of the most selfish players I've ever been around. He shot it every time he touched it. It's incredible."
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) March 24, 2016
Jabari Young, also of the San Antonio Express-News, provided a video of the full exchange:
One of those good quote nights from Popovich… 1st his humor surrounding on Boban's play #Spurs pic.twitter.com/R4UOAWYDcs
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) March 24, 2016
To call Popovich a national treasure would probably be selling him short. This latest one definitely goes down in the Hall of Fame of Coach Pop’s illustrious history with the media.
As for Marjanovic, the Spurs are probably hoping that he keeps up his “selfish” ways. The Serbian holds per-36 minute averages of 23.1 points per game and 15.0 rebounds per game this season. Though his damage has been limited to just 7.8 minutes per game across 46 appearances, Marjanovic is proving that he’s much more than just a big body with his smooth inside stroke, post-up prowess, and effective midrange game.
Now a blistering 60-11 on the year, San Antonio continues to provide more than their fair share of classic quotables, hidden international gems, and most importantly, winning team basketball.
H/T NBA Reddit
