San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is arguably the best coach in the league but even he says he wouldn’t last long coaching the Philadelphia 76ers, a job currently held by his former assistant Brett Brown. It seems like the Sixers have been tanking forever and Popovich showed respect and praise for Brown who’s stuck it out longer than he ever could.
via Philly.com:
“After that, his work ethic. He’s the most positive person that I know,” said Popovich. “I honestly don’t know who else could be in Philadelphia doing what he’s doing. I couldn’t do it. I’d last a month. Two years ago, I mean. A month. Not in the third year.
“And honest to God, he loves coaching that team. He actually enjoys coaching those guys in a modest, sincere way. Because what he’s all about, basically, is not skipping steps, setting standards. He knows the way to do things. He communicates great and it all shows in the way that those guys play. Those are not the most talented players in the world and five or six of his best players aren’t there. I’m watching them play Oklahoma (Friday) night and watching play their other games and those guys play from the first minute to the 48th minute. That’s really a testament to him. In the league when you lose a lot of games, guys are going to tank. Often. And these guys just keep playing at a certain level and at a certain standard. The fact that they’re not as skilled as players on some other teams is irrelevant. Work ethic is a tribute to their character and Brett’s ability to keep them fighting for a standard and trying to progress. I think he’s incredible. I don’t say that because I’m trying to make him look good or because he’s my buddy or anything like that. It’s really true. They’re lucky to have him there.”
