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Training camp ahead of the 2020-21 season has begun, and yesterday Gregg Popovich made his first media appearance for the Spurs. Three Spurs guards possibly being out to start the regular season was the most immediate takeaway, but there’s plenty more of the conversation to dive into.
He seemed to confirm that the small-ball approach seen in the Bubble is the way they will approach this season, and that will include LaMarcus Aldridge (who missed the Bubble due to shoulder surgery) adjusting his game and embracing the three-pointer even more.
Pop on #Spurs sticking with the small-ball, up-tempo approach used in Orlando: "The style, the philosophy will stay the same, and everyone will have to adjust to that...I don't think LA will a problem adjusting, because he wants to win. "
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) December 1, 2020
1) Pop on LaMarcus Aldridge fitting in w/SAS new style of play: "We want to get back in the playoffs, and he is committed to taking another huge step as far as becoming more of a 3-point shooter, which is necessary in this league for success we all know."
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) December 1, 2020
Also, perhaps to the satisfaction of some fans and not so much to others, he indicated more than once that the goal of the team remains the same as always: to make the playoffs.
Pop, vowing to continue what the Spurs started in the bubble: “The bottom line, in all frankness, I don’t remember winning a championship last year. I don’t remember being in the playoffs. So it’s time to make a change, play a different way, demand it and move forward.”
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) December 1, 2020
In fact, if he has his way they’ll win the championship and leave room to spare so he can get to Tokyo in time to coach Team USA at the Olympics.
Pop, on Game 7 of NBA Finals happening the day before the opening ceremonies of the Olympics: “I don’t think we’ll let the Finals go seven games.”
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) December 1, 2020
You watch the entirety of Pop’s media appearance here. Today will be Aldridge and Patty Mills’ appearances. Who’s getting excited for some basketball?
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