San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will take the reins of USA Basketball starting this year. Along with the arrival of the brilliant but blunt coach, Warriors' Steve Kerr, Pacers' Nate McMillan, and Villanova's Jay Wright will also take seats in the new Team USA coaching staff.
Marc Stein of The New York Times wrote a column about this recent development in the US camp.
“Golden State’s Kerr, Indiana’s McMillan and Villanova’s Wright will bring significant experience — and a measure of star power — to Popovich’s bench in their roles as assistants for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China as well as the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, according to the people, who were not authorized to discuss the appointments publicly.”
Kerr, NBA's winningest coach in the past four years, has already had a lot of familiarity with Popovich when he played for the Spurs during the latter part of his career. The three-time champion coach also won a championship under Popovich and the Spurs.
While many considered the appointment of McMillan as a surprise, has had eight winning records in the 14 years that he served as a head coach in the NBA. Recently, he was instrumental in turning the Pacers into instant contenders in the Eastern Conference, especially considering the fact that they lost a superstar in Paul George last year.
Wright is considered as the most dynamic coach in college ball today. He led Villanova to two championships in three years, employing a system of versatility and toughness in his small-ball lineups.
Fans are surprised that Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was not included in the appointment. Still people are assured that Kerr, McMillan, and Wright are more than capable to support Popovich in the future success of Team USA Basketball.
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