Playing for Team USA is something that the individuals on the training camp roster are relishing, not only because of the fact that they have an opportunity to make an entire nation proud, but also because it is being coached by one of the NBA's greatest minds in Gregg Popovich.
One of the players who feels blessed to learn under Pop is veteran Bucks big Brook Lopez, who told APNews.com's Tim Reynolds that it's always been a dream of his to play for the five-time champion coach.
Throughout his 11-year NBA career, the Bucks big never had a chance to be traded to the San Antonio Spurs, the team that Gregg Popovich has been coaching for close to two decades now. The former 10th overall pick has been a free agent multiple times, but heading to Texas is something that never seemed to have crossed his mind.
This is the first time in his career that Brook Lopez is actually being taught by one of the people he's been looking up to.
And he's not the only one who feels that way.
Everyone on Team USA's training camp roster grew up idolizing Popovich, and to be honest, who wouldn't? That guy is one of the main reason why the Spurs' success has been stable for 20-plus years. They currently own the NBA record for most consecutive appearances in the playoffs.
Even without a bonafide superstar, the Spurs were still able to win close to 50 games last season, and that is a testament to how good Popovich really is as a coach.
So really, who wouldn't want to play for a legend like that?
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