SI article: Given unlikely journey, Parker not taking life with Spurs for granted

[Mel_13]

Some NBA coaches wouldn't know how to say it. Some NBA stars wouldn't know how to listen. Those people have nothing in common with Gregg Popovich and Tony Parker.

"Pop, he was like, 'Are you going to shoot sometimes during the season?' " Parker recalled. "He was just messing with me. He was telling me he wanted me to be more aggressive."

Parker had been shooting poorly as San Antonio headed out last week on a six-game trip through the East. Popovich knew what to say and how to say it: He has been coaching Parker for 12 seasons and knows how to criticize his point guard without doing harm to their relationship. Over the first four games of that road trip -- all won by the Spurs -- Parker was shooting 61.9 percent and averaging 26.5 points. The relationship with his coach continues to grow.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/ian_thomsen/11/28/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs/index.html

[timvp]

Great article. Good find :tu

[spursfan09]

:cry

[racm]

This is why Pop and the Big 3 are going to be an indelible part of Spurs history.

[Russ]

I kept wondering when someone would link to this article. :)

(Oops, not the article I was thinking about. There was a big TP story in SI a week ago so I figured it must have been posted and I just missed it.)

[gospursgojas]

Great article

[Brazil]

nice reading :tu

[racm]

Brazil: Sauce on those two girls in your sig?

[Mikesatx]

Way to go Brazil!! This is the first bare boobie I have seen on the board!

[Brazil]

:lol didn't last long

[Spur|n|Austin]

Nice read, thanks for posting. Nice boob Brazil.

[Mikesatx]

Consider yourself the mystery shopper. Keeping the moderators on their toes.

[wildbill2u]

This is why Pop and the Big 3 are going to be an indelible part of Spurs history.

Correction: They are going to be an indelible part of NBA history.

" It's not any team. It's the Spurs. It's one of the most respected franchises in American sports. "


The way the Spurs operate under Pop and the way the players respond has transcended the normal for professional sports. It is truly all about "team". Players have to check their ego at the locker room door and everyone has the same chance for advancement. If they work hard and have talent, they will play in proportion to their effort and ability. Although that seems very logical and easily comprehended, in the elite circle of NBA teams and players the Spurs are a rarity because they actually believe it and make it work.