"Greg Popovich confesses difficulties with Michael Jordan prior to the trade that ignited the Chicago Bulls' dynasty"
Popovich's Devious Deal
Veteran coach Gregg Popovich, with his extensive experience in the NBA, has witnessed basketball royalty like Michael Jordan and LeBron James in their prime. With a career spanning over three decades, Popovich has become a vital figure in the everlasting debate between these two basketball titans.
Stepping down as the head coach of the Spurs, Popovich moves into a new role as the team's president of basketball operations. Going back to 1988, he began his NBA journey as an assistant to Larry Brown, and his journey took him to the Golden State Warriors before he returned to San Antonio in 1994.
In the 80s and early 90s, Popovich found himself in awe of Jordan, who, for many, is considered the greatest basketball player of all time. During a discussion on the legendary rivalry in 2022, the coach admitted that he would become mesmerized watching Jordan play, much like he does with LeBron.
Popovich's role in both Jordan and James' successes cannot be overlooked. Although many aren't aware, he played a significant part in enhancing Jordan's legacy as a player, aiding Chicago in their second three-peat from 1996 to 1998. Before Tim Duncan's arrival and Popovich's coaching tenure, he served in an executive capacity and orchestrated one of his early major moves: the trade of Dennis Rodman to the Chicago Bulls in 1995.
Rodman himself perceived the trade as a strategic, devious plan by Popovich. According to Rodman, the trade was meant to "bring the Bulls down" from within, insinuating a strategic attempt to sabotage the Bulls' success by adding Rodman to their roster. The truth behind Popovich's intention remains unconfirmed, but the trade benefited the Bulls significantly. Rodman quickly adapted to his new team and became a key player in their championship-winning seasons.
Popovich's return to the Spurs as coach came after the trade, and he went on to build his own dynasty. The Spurs secured five championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014 before Popovich stepped aside as the winningest coach in NBA history. It seems that the coach had no regrets, as his focus was primarily on creating a successful team for San Antonio.
Gregg Popovich, known for his tenure in the NBA, has shown interest in not only basketball but MMA as well, famously mentioning his admiration for legendary UFC fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Conor McGregor. After returning to the Spurs as their president of basketball operations, Popovich has made it clear that he is not just confined to basketball, as he looks to create a well-rounded sports culture within the organization.
