In advance of the first meeting of the season between LeBron’s Cavs and Gregg Popovich’s Spurs, LeBron heaped praise on the longest-tenured coach in the NBA by calling him the best coach of all time.
“To do what he’s done in an era of basketball where its changed so much and have a growth mindset and change with the game… he’s continued to build around Timmy, Manu and Tony and bring pieces in and out throughout his whole tenure.” he said.
LeBron then talked about how Pop adjusted his coaching throughout the different styles and eras of basketball since he took over in San Antonio in 1996—as the league moved from inside-outside play to pick and rolls to 3-point shooting—and has still kept his team on top.
But… is there more to these comments than just LeBron’s adulation for Popovich? Might this be a subtle diss towards another man whom many believe is the best coach in the history of the NBA, Phil Jackson?
Some will certainly believe this especially considering Jackson’s “posse” comments that offended LeBron’s camp, but considering this isn’t the first time LeBron has said this, it seems clear he pretty firmly believes it and will defend his opinion to the hilt.
These comments are controversial only if you want them to be. There are many candidates for the best coach in NBA history, and Pop is certainly one of them. LeBron’s opinion might be different than yours and that’s OK, because in sports you are allowed to have different opinions, especially on discussions involving the GOAT for anything.
