Gregg Popovich may be in the final year of the most recent five-year extension he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, but it goes without saying that the franchise would have him as long as he’d like to stay. As of now, there is no guarantee that time frame will extend beyond the current season.
Popovich, who will turn 70 later this month, told Marc Stein of the New York Times on Wednesday that he is unsure if he will be back coaching next season.
“I don’t know the answer,” the five-time NBA champion said.
Popovich added that he has discussed his future with Spurs president RC Buford, and Buford basically said Pop can stay as long as he wants to.
“He’ll coach as long as he wants to coach,” the executive said.
The revamped Spurs are 26-20 and appear poised reach the postseason yet again. They have rebounded nicely after an 11-14 start, and they look like they are finally coming into their own with Kawhi Leonard out of the mix and DeMar DeRozan leading the way. Popovich is always going to have new challenges, but the question is how much energy he has remaining to tackle them.
Pop has already shown us this season that his sense of humor remains intact, but he may decide after the season that he has accomplished everything he possibly can. No one would blame him for that.
