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After politely declining to comment on the passing or Gregg Popovich's wife; Erin, on Wednesday; Steve Kerr spoke at length about his memory of her, as the two coaches go back decades as friends and now colleagues.
“It was devastating news,” said Kerr. “Erin had been courageously fighting a battle with some health issues for the last few years, but this was shocking. It was unexpected.”
“Our whole organization, our players, our coaches. We're all thinking about Erin, Pop, Micky, and Jill… It's just sad, it's sad for all of us, and not a lot that you can say other than offer your condolences and support.”
Steve Kerr on Erin Popovich … remembers when he was traded to #Blazers .. how Pop told him he probably couldn’t go home because Erin would be mad at him. Said she was part of the family #Spurs #Warriors #NBA pic.twitter.com/IE3YR2MluV
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) April 19, 2018
Kerr and Popovich first crossed paths in 1998 when the former was traded to the San Antonio Spurs during Pop's third year as a head coach — one which would result in a championship season.
The Golden State Warriors coach told an anecdote about the late Erin, describing her as “part of the family” due to her closeness with his wife, Margot.
“Knew her well, she was close with my wife when I played [in San Antonio]. She was sort of the balance that Pop needed,” said Kerr smiling. “I still remember when he traded me to Portland in 2001. He called me up to tell me the news and told me ‘I don't think I can go home, because Erin is gonna be so mad at me for trading you.”
Kerr and Popovich share much more than their careers intertwining at the right time, but a plethora of moments and a long-lasting friendship with deep ties that still holds 'til this day.
