Spurs News: Popovich thanks Duncan and Manuginobili for accompanying him during stroke recovery

Spurs legendary coach Greg Popovich is recovering from a mild stroke, while he is surrounded by two legendary stars - Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

former San Antonio Spurs legend coach Greg Popovich is recovering from a mild stroke ending his career, while two legendary stars of the team - Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili - are also with him.

This press conference aimed at introducing Mickey Johnson as the head coach of the Spurs is as important as Popovich and Johnson. This is the first public appearance of the NBA's highest winning rate coach since November last year, not only attended the press conference, but also spoke with Duncan and Ginobili.

But the arrival of the recognized greatest power forward in history and perhaps the most popular player in the history of this proud team is not just symbolic. It does symbolize an important aspect of the team's fame, but it's not purely symbolic.

"Tim and Manu... have been here every time I train at 'The Rock'," Popovich said as he thanked the team headquarters, his first speech at the team headquarters in six months.

Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan remain in close contact with the Spurs

As a Hall of Fame member, Ginobili still plays for the team he played for 15 years in the NBA. The sixth man of the previous year regularly attended the Spurs' training and games as the "Special Consultant for Basketball Operations". While his title may seem a bit blurry, it is one of the team's attempts to continue this enviable culture in the sports world.

Duncan joined Popovich's assistant coaching seat in the 2019-20 season. The “big cornerstone” has brought tangible help to his former coach after Duncan ended his 19-year career in San Antonio. Like he did to Ginobili a few years later, Popovich is also seeking continuity for the team. He believes that who can help him bridge the gap better than a player in the top 15 or even top 10 in history? Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are now helping Greg Popovich in different ways, Popovich revealed that both Duncan and Ginobili participated in the necessary training to help him return to his best health.

"They say it's because they love me, they want to be with me when I fall, or they want to hold me or something. I call it revenge," Popovich quipped.

Although his serious and unexplained style has shaped Popovich's coaching style, he himself admits that since 1996, his style has become milder. This led to some criticism when Popovich and the famous Big Three formed the championship core.

Duncan was selected in 1997, and although he led the team to his first championship in 1999, the Spurs dynasty was not established until Tony Parker in 2001 and Ginobili joined in 2002. They joined hands to lead the team to win three championships in five seasons. They also played a crucial role in the Spurs' fifth championship in 2014.

"They gave the rehabilitation center staff a new way of thinking and letting them know what to do with me," Popovich continued, talking about Duncan and Ginobili's performance in his current training. "So you can't deceive anyone, especially you, Tim."

This may also symbolize the deep friendship between them. Just as Popovich once helped Duncan and Ginobili find direction, the two Spurs idols are now paying back their coaches.