The tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant has sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Among those affected are San Antonio Spurs star DeMar DeRozan and head coach Gregg Popovich.
Considered by many to be one of the greatest NBA players of all time, Bryant, was involved in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas, California. Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with seven other passengers all passed away in the cash according to multiple reports.
As a major rival of Bryant's Lakers during his 20-year career, Gregg Popovich and the Spurs knew the impact of Bryant just as well as anyone.
Gregg Popovich also knows that DeRozan, a native of California, grew up idolizing the Lakers legend.
DeMar DeRozan fighting back tears on Kobe's passing,
"Words can't explain it…" pic.twitter.com/rqaCUApD11
— Chase Shannon (@chase_shannon) January 26, 2020
“Learning everything that I've learned, basketball-wise from Kobe, what he meant to the game, the inspiration that he brought to the world … I can't imagine something like that happening,” DeRozan said.
Gregg Popovich spoke about the tragic loss of Bryant after the Spurs Sunday loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Gregg Popovich talks after the game about the death of Kobe Bryant:#RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/0zIcnVfiRW
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) January 26, 2020
“All of us know what a great player he was but he went beyond great playing. He was a competitor. It goes unmatched,” Popovich said. “… We all feel a deep sense of loss for what he meant to all of us in so many ways and so many millions of people that loved him for so many different reasons.”
Gregg Popovich served as the head coach of the Spurs throughout all of Bryant's 20-year career. The 18-time All-Star had a 43-48 record against San Antonio and went 18-12 against the team in the playoffs.
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