While the NBA managed to salvage the 2019-20 NBA campaign, the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic caused an extremely tight schedule this season. Legendary coach Gregg Popovich knows this too well considering he will likely have to juggle his responsibilities with the San Antonio Spurs and Team USA due to the strict timetable.
In an interview with Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, the 71-year-old tactician addressed what will happen in the event that the Spurs reach the 2021 NBA Finals around the same time Team USA is supposed to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Of course, he answered in true Pop fashion.
Obviously, Popovich is messing around, considering the Spurs do not seem to be in a position to contend for the championship in the upcoming season. They missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 22 years last season. Judging by how the other Western Conference teams re-tooled this offseason, the Spurs might once again have a hard time breaking into the top 8.
Poppvich, meanwhile, took over the Team USA coaching reins from long-time mentor Mike Krzyzewski in 2015. He certainly has redemption in his mind in the Tokyo Olympics after USA finished seventh place (its worst finish in an international competition) in last year's FIBA World Cup in China.
Apart from the possible burnout that Team USA players will likely experience, the tight NBA schedule will also play a huge factor in who among the superstars will be available for the quadrennial meet, although guys like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis have already expressed their willingness to play.
One thing's for sure, Gregg Popovich will have a lot on his hands in the coming months.
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