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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is hoping to guide his team to an unlikely playoff berth in Orlando.
But, much like the players, Pop is making sure to keep social justice issues at the forefront.
The longtime head coach had more comments regarding the pervasiveness of systemic racism in American society, touching on historical components that have subjugated Black communities for centuries:
Gregg Popovich: "In this world, a lot of people really do not understand the breath and depth of this horrific situation Black people have lived in for too long."
Goes into a history lesson on literacy tests, the grandfather clause, and systemic racism.
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) August 2, 2020
First question for Gregg Popovich today was about Marco Belinelli's status for the game against the Grizzlies. This was his answer: pic.twitter.com/oLxV6J2mdD
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 2, 2020
Popovich and assistant coach Becky Hammon were among those standing during the national anthem before San Antonio's win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
But Popovich's players know their head coach has long lobbied for social change and the advancement of racial equality. DeMar DeRozan said after the game Popovich and Hammon should not be vilified for choosing to stand.
“You know Pop speaks out. When it comes to Becky, she's been [on the] front line, fighting for equality since I've been a fan of hers playing in the WNBA. So everybody has their own right of making a statement and you can't vilify nobody for not doing what the other group is doing. I'm all for it.”
Popovich said he would keep the reasoning behind his decision to stand to himself, though there is little doubt Spurs players know their head coach is among the most outspoken in the NBA.
The Spurs improved to 28-36 with the win over the Kings, and they are now just a half-game back of the ninth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers.
Popovich's team has every opportunity to advance to a play-in tournament for the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference. But for Pop and so many others around the league, basketball is secondary to the need for change in American society.
