IMHO This is Pop's last season...

[the golden era]

The signs are all there, and we are in the last days of the GOAT coach and all we can do is bitch about the old man, but the truth is he is the greatest steward we could possibly ask for. We have a pipeline of talent and will be really competitive moving forward, even if the streak ends this year. Nevertheless, as a lifelong fan, the signs are all there, in no particular order of importance:
1. RC Buford moved out of GM role
Outside, of Pop himself, no single individual in the entire NBA could decide how long he stays in his position. The guy is an absolute legend and IMHO WILL be HOF. Why now to hand over reigns? Don't know exactly, but clearly this was the first indication of a clear transition of power plan that has been formulated (if you don't count the Holt family transition issue, which was probably the first true sign anything was going on).
2. Brain Drain on the coaching staff
We all know the Pop tree stretches far and wide in the league. However, if we step back and just look at all the talent we have lost in the last couple of years, the cupboard is really bare, and is the one area that does not appear to be restocked at all. Additionally, Pop is the one coach in the league that could get the best and brightest to come over and sit on his bench for a run, but isn't it odd this offseason despite openings, nothing, no one came, (this leads to the next and biggest observation from this season and tonight)
3. Tim Duncan appears totally disconnected and aloof on the bench
Everyone who knows the team and Pop knows, Timmy is his best friend/kindred spirit. Almost no one expected Timmy to coach after retirement because his demeanor and personality doesn't necessarily lean towards the profession. Not that he couldn't, but it just didn't' seem like his niche, and certainly not a head coach for sure. Anyone paying attention to the games so far, and this game for sure, the video don't lie, dude does not care what is going on in huddles and is not really interested in learning the craft with any real attention to detail you see with all other coaches. Dude is walking around during timeout hurdles. Why? Only logical conclusion is he has no real interest in coaching long term. Would make sense Pop and him talked it out and Pop would have no other person sitting by his side at the end, to which Timmy would obviously comply.
4. Trade rumors early November
We NEVER hear of serious trade rumors this early, but tis already occurring and with what appears to be open and legit sources. Very unusual to all who follow the team under this leadership. Nevermind the early season struggles, which were identical to last year basically, and they still made tournament, these rumors appear to be totally transparent and out in the open despite the same team with added talent in Murray. I suspect they are legitimate and that DeMar WILL be moved along with LaMarcus when this December deadline that is important hits. I suspect this is why the team picked up his option to make him more attractive for teams interested in his services. The youth movement will likely begin this year as we have been begging for it seems.

Truth be told, I wrote this after I saw Timmy today and was at the game on Monday and realized, Timmy is the dead giveaway now. All the Pop bashers will get their wish soon enough. I know everyone said the Tony retirement was the end of the era, but the Golden Era ends after this year when the GOAT coach hangs it up. Been an incredible ride and I am excited for the future. In Becky I Trust!

[sasaint]

Can't end too soon. I wish he would just pass the reins to Becky now and go drink wine.

[timvp]

I'm just impressed you realized it was The Golden Era in 2012. Props :tu

[the golden era]

I realize this is the accepted sentiment, but I am going to enjoy this last ride for what it is. Faithful steward overseeing and responsible transition. If the make tournament, even better.

[the golden era]

Thanks brother, and thanks for this site, I know it is a labor of love, and I have been a looong time lurker, even before register. GSG!

[timvp]

Thanks brother, and thanks for this site, I know it is a labor of love, and I have been a looong time lurker, even before register. GSG!

:tu Keep posting. Good stuff.

[Harry Callahan]

The business is a meritocracy and this will be a very rapid drop from just three years ago. When #2 (the turd) quit on us, that was the beginning of the end. Pop deserves every accolade, but this is now a rebuild without question. The Spurs have nothing to really hang their hat on right now. There is no system out on the floor, because some of the "best" players are nothing but no "D" ball stoppers who have no interest in playing one half of the floor. This is really sh*tty basketball we are watching. Perhaps in January, if things continue down this path, the coaching staff can try and teach the young guys how to be solid pros going forward.

The bone headed mistakes at the worst possible time is just an epidemic right now. I'm too old for patience. Things are not working at the moment.

[the golden era]

I really can't argue with what you said, but the truth is neph really fucked this franchise and everything after was managing the fallout. NO franchise would recover from what he did, and yet we are still relevant. I suspect this is the year we purge the vets of any consequence (DDR and LMA), and we move boldly forward. I really wouldn't be shocked to see Pop still manage this team into the tournament. But we shall see.

[Genovaswitness]

I hope it is. this is what happens when you fail to cater to your best players.

making him play before offering the super max :lmao

Refusing to hook up uncle Dennis :lmao

taking a SHIT trade from toronto and giving up Danny green in the process :lmao

[timvp]

this is what happens when you fail to cater to your best players.

Last season erased that entire narrative. Catch up.

[Harry Callahan]

I really can't argue with what you said, but the truth is neph really fucked this franchise and everything after was managing the fallout. NO franchise would recover from what he did, and yet we are still relevant. I suspect this is the year we purge the vets of any consequence (DDR and LMA), and we move boldly forward. I really wouldn't be shocked to see Pop still manage this team into the tournament. But we shall see.

Agreed. The talent drop off has been very hurtful. Losing an entire year of DJM did not help. There just seemed to be much more purpose and fire from the team itself last year. DDR was handling the ball a lot more and being effective, but he has really declined in my view. LMA was terrific last year, but now we are getting two bad games for every one good game from him. I just don't see enough positives out there to turn this around and make the POs in 2020.

An other worldly PO streak will likely end for the Spurs. It sucks - in 2017 they had the pieces in place to be very good for another 4-5 years and a real contender, but that got subverted two years ago due to #2 - AKA "The Turd".

[the golden era]

Yeah this is just wrong and failed narrative. Neph already has proven by action, even if we would have supa max his ass he would have demanded trade to LA, and all the garbage attached with that trade would be our mess. PATFO did everything that could reasonably be expected, and still got something in return, although Poodle has disappointed this season so far, but lets see what he looks like after trades.

[BillMc]

If Pop and Trump are both unemployed will they hang out?

[KobesAchilles]

Was my pre-season prediction tbh. All the signs were there and I knew he would go out the only way he knows how to go out. Stubborn, constantly trying to prove that he’s smarter than everyone. And staying with his guys no matter the consequences.

I’m not even mad about this year bc I knew it was Pop’s last year. He deserves to go out the way he wants to go out. Tbh this is Pops Gran Tarino moment except instead of a finger gun he was Marco Belinelli :lol and this whole league is taking there shots at him.

[Russ]

If the US wins Olympic gold, I could see him retiring on a high note.

[Dverde]

Solid points. When team USA wins gold. He will feel invigorating at the time and keep coaching. I think next year is the last one.

[Harry Callahan]

Yeah this is just wrong and failed narrative. Neph already has proven by action, even if we would have supa max his ass he would have demanded trade to LA, and all the garbage attached with that trade would be our mess. PATFO did everything that could reasonably be expected, and still got something in return, although Poodle has disappointed this season so far, but lets see what he looks like after trades.

I get it and that's a fair comment - the depth of Turd's hate of the city and the organization was high. If KL had been a more normal, reasonable human being instead of an Asperger Syndrome type with no empathy for anyone but himself, perhaps a long term deal would have worked.

The FO had nothing but lousy options a year ago. In addition, one year ago, teams had no idea if The Turd could actually play since he quit the prior year with a non-injury "injury". The Toronto Trade was the best (less than ideal) option, unfortunately.

[RC_Drunkford]

I wish he would quit right now tbh

[timtonymanu]

Good thread. I hope so, tbh. Time for the rebuild to fully begin.

[Mugen]

Last season? I hope this is his last week. :lol

[the golden era]

Being at an actual game, you begin to realize us arm chair GM's really don't take into account that the suits are trying to fill the arena, which has been difficult for them since at least 17. They have been balancing this youth/competitive team tightrope but everyone must realize now it is over. I failed to mention in the OG post, but I strongly suspect that once DDR turned down their attempt at extension, the decision towards unloading was made. Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise he didn't extend regardless off what our offer was.

[sasaint]

I wish he would quit right now tbh

Last season? I hope this is his last week. :lol

My wish exactly. Unfortunately, Pop is no "quitter"; he would never step down mid-season. He will man the helm for the full cruise and stubbornly steer the Spurs ship onto the rocks at this season's end. I still fear he will return next season, and ownership will just acquiesce.

[the golden era]

I just don't agree with the rocks aspect. Pop is showcasing the talent on the block, plain and simple. They will get offers and unload when the price is right, period.

[RC_Drunkford]

Being at an actual game, you begin to realize us arm chair GM's really don't take into account that the suits are trying to fill the arena, which has been difficult for them since at least 17. They have been balancing this youth/competitive team tightrope but everyone must realize now it is over. I failed to mention in the OG post, but I strongly suspect that once DDR turned down their attempt at extension, the decision towards unloading was made. Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise he didn't extend regardless off what our offer was.

yeah playing athletic players who can throw down crazy dunks and jump out the gym definitely shouldn't play if you are trying to fill seats. Play the unathletic white guy instead

[UZER]

I just don't agree with the rocks aspect. Pop is showcasing the talent on the block, plain and simple. They will get offers and unload when the price is right, period.

Still with the CIA Pop take, I see. :lol

[the golden era]

LOL, I mean I know he is trying to win, but how else can you generate any interest in the market if you don't showcase the product?

Still with the CIA Pop take, I see. :lol

[the golden era]

yeah playing athletic players who can throw down crazy dunks and jump out the gym definitely shouldn't play if you are trying to fill seats. Play the unathletic white guy insteadYour speaking to the board, most fans at the games don't know half the roster at this point. The fans know LMA, DDR, Gay, Ferrari(a spurs champion).

[RC_Drunkford]

I just don't agree with the rocks aspect. Pop is showcasing the talent on the block, plain and simple. They will get offers and unload when the price is right, period.

so what you are saying is that Pop tries to fill the seats in the arena, but at the same time showcases players who he wants to trade, which results into losses and those players looking worse than they actually are?:smokin

[RC_Drunkford]

Your speaking to the board, most fans at the games don't know half the roster at this point. The fans know LMA, DDR, Gay, Ferrari(a spurs champion).

so that's why there are Lonnie chants at every game?

[UZER]

Your speaking to the board, most fans at the games don't know half the roster at this point. The fans know LMA, DDR, Gay, Ferrari(a spurs champion).

You’re talking nose bleed fans. The suits want people in the lower bowl. The place is always half empty.

[the golden era]

You’re talking nose bleed fans. The suits want people in the lower bowl. The place is always half empty.
I don't know, I sat at retirement in ATT suite, most in there didn't give a shit and clearly didn't know who was on the team.

[the golden era]

so what you are saying is that Pop tries to fill the seats in the arena, but at the same time showcases players who he wants to trade, which results into losses and those players looking worse than they actually are?:smokin
GOAT coaching the way he knows how. His records speak for themselves. However, as my OG post points out, it is clear PATFO knows this group is done, and showcasing is part of the hustle. We've been the best for years at the game, I am not going to doubt them now, especially when you accept the fact that this season is a wash.

[itzsoweezee]

Tim Duncan as assistant coach was all the evidence I needed to confirm this is pop's last year. There is no way Duncan would've agreed to coach otherwise. That guy doesn't want to coach. He just wants to be around pop for his last season.

[Gagnrath]

Tim Duncan as assistant coach was all the evidence I needed to confirm this is pop's last year. There is no way Duncan would've agreed to coach otherwise. That guy doesn't want to coach. He just wants to be around pop for his last season.

I don't know that I would go that far, I don't see him as a good bench coach.... I easily see him as a great skills and position coach and being really good at that. Its a different skill and mindset that being an X's an O's head coach and watching the players to gauge flow of game, demeanor, morale, and match-ups. Now I can hardly see a spurs organization that could announce we are hiring Duncan as a coach but not putting him on the Bench and letting the fans remember Duncan. Its a strange position to put a guy in. If his college team was a second tier MAC or Conference USA team I could see him doing that for a few years. There is also a decent chance that he decides he should be the Best at what he is doing gets serious and becomes much more valuable on the bench.

[r0drig0lac]

I wish he would quit right now tbh

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

so that's why there are Lonnie chants at every game?there are 2 SaBoys in here? Walker sucks, he worst than Beli and that's why the scrub is on the bench.

[itzsoweezee]

I don't know that I would go that far, I don't see him as a good bench coach.... I easily see him as a great skills and position coach and being really good at that. Its a different skill and mindset that being an X's an O's head coach and watching the players to gauge flow of game, demeanor, morale, and match-ups. Now I can hardly see a spurs organization that could announce we are hiring Duncan as a coach but not putting him on the Bench and letting the fans remember Duncan. Its a strange position to put a guy in. If his college team was a second tier MAC or Conference USA team I could see him doing that for a few years. There is also a decent chance that he decides he should be the Best at what he is doing gets serious and becomes much more valuable on the bench.

What I mean is Duncan does not seem like a guy that has any interest in coaching. I think he's doing this because he knows it's pop's last season and wants to be around for it.

[MultiTroll]

Golden era ended in 2016 with Duncs retirement.

Kawhi made a valiant effort to keep it going but got Zaza'd.

The stuff since then has been and is brown, not golden.

[DMC]

I really can't argue with what you said, but the truth is neph really fucked this franchise and everything after was managing the fallout. NO franchise would recover from what he did, and yet we are still relevant. I suspect this is the year we purge the vets of any consequence (DDR and LMA), and we move boldly forward. I really wouldn't be shocked to see Pop still manage this team into the tournament. But we shall see.

Kobe did worse to LA and it took them 6 years and two franchise level players to recover, if they have.

[DMC]

What I mean is Duncan does not seem like a guy that has any interest in coaching. I think he's doing this because he knows it's pop's last season and wants to be around for it.

I think Pop said to him "Let's fuck off for a season, all the carrot cake you can eat, no pressure to win"

Tim - "In"

[playblair]

popovich is holding this team down.........look at how loose they played with him ejected...........demote pop hire becky

[Dejounte]

popovich is holding this team down.........look at how loose they played with him ejected...........demote pop hire becky

The fuck is showing you that Becky is ready for prime time? She wont even take initiative to be the lead coach when Pop is ejected.

[Dejounte]

Lmao the Spurs are "coaching by committee"

BeCkY iS rEaDY tO CoACh! ShEs bEtTeR tHan PoP

[CGD]

Other sign/crumb OP shouldn’t have included was the Bill Self “denials” earlier this year.

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/kansas-bill-self-denies-reports-hes-in-line-to-be-next-spurs-head-coach

[ShutUp SayItAgain!]

Last season? I hope this is his last week. :lol

:lol

[the golden era]

Other sign/crumb OP shouldn’t have included was the Bill Self “denials” earlier this year.

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/kansas-bill-self-denies-reports-hes-in-line-to-be-next-spurs-head-coach

I didn't include it, because I don't think it is truly relevant, and I don't believe is in line for the job.

[Kurgan]

Pop leaving the NBA the way he came in...the lottery.

[HarlemHeat37]

Haven't been watching so I'm not going to pretend to know the team's issues, but Pop can coach for however long he wants, shouldn't be disputed by anybody.

It might look like the coaching version of Kobe's last few years in the league, but that's the respect that should be given.

[MultiTroll]

Haven't been watching so I'm not going to pretend to know the team's issues, but Pop can coach for however long he wants, shouldn't be disputed by anybody.

It might look like the coaching version of Kobe's last few years in the league, but that's the respect that should be given.
Why?
See illustration in thread I made about taking the car keys from Grandpa for everyones own good. Including Grandpa. Ok, now q is at what point in time do you do that?

[HarlemHeat37]

Why?
See illustration in thread I made about taking the car keys from Grandpa for everyones own good. Including Grandpa. Ok, now q is at what point in time do you do that?

It would have to reach consistent bottom-feeder status to even have that conversation IMO.

They made the playoffs last season, we aren't even close to reaching the point where anybody should be asking for Pop to be forced out:lol.

[DPG21920]

There is legit concern about Pop damaging the relationship with the youth and that would be fireable. He cannot afford to leave the team in shambles and the youth forcing trades or bolting in FA due to friction with Pop just because Pop wanted to cling to 42 wins would be unforgivable.

[HarlemHeat37]

There is legit concern about Pop damaging the relationship with the youth and that would be fireable. He cannot afford to leave the team in shambles and the youth forcing trades or bolting in FA due to friction with Pop just because Pop wanted to cling to 42 wins would be unforgivable.

Who does Pop have a bad relationship with among the youth? What did I miss?

[MultiTroll]

It would have to reach consistent bottom-feeder status to even have that conversation IMO.

They made the playoffs last season, we aren't even close to reaching the point where anybody should be asking for Pop to be forced out:lol.
Public force out is out of the question for me.

Privately, inner circle like Duncan etc, any assistants who have a spine should absolutely have begun floating it. Well I guess with assistants that could get awkward. Holts and upper management absolutely. This idea that two entire seasons of bottom feeder have to take place is disrespectful to players (Non Pets that is) and all paying customers and Spurs fans.

The other night when he got ejected and it was shown he purposely had no assistant to take over is beyond embarrassing.
Ditto the game on the line 5 second violation.
Lineups of Patty n Forbes on D.
We're now 14th of 15th West teams. That is bottom.

[timtonymanu]

Please leave. The Big 3 era is long gone, there’s no heroes coming in to make the Spurs instant contenders again. With the way Pop is coaching, it’s like watching Mark Jackson or mike brown out there. Just no plan or passion for the game anymore.

[Dennis the Menace]

Who does Pop have a bad relationship with among the youth? What did I miss?

From someone speaking as to being in attendance for a recent game, White looked incredibly frustrated when getting yanked and not playing in critical moments of the game. He would visibly show his frustration when he would see someone of lesser talent go to the table to sub him out prematurely when he was still good for 5-8 more minutes

[DPG21920]

Who does Pop have a bad relationship with among the youth? What did I miss?

At the moment? Not sure. But look at the treatment of Lonnie. Look at him benching Dejounte “the future” for Mills. White being relegated to bench despite a breakout year and not getting too many minutes.

I am saying I can see it leading down that path and if it does? That is bad, bad news. Its one thing for young players to have to shut up on the bench if the team is winning. It’s another building up resentment watching Beli/Mills/Forbes get minutes over you while you get blamed.

Pop had friction with LMA so I dont think it’s something to just dismiss at this point but obviously plenty of time to correct things.

[ElNono]

Who does Pop have a bad relationship with among the youth? What did I miss?

He's been punking that kid with the weird hardo... actually, both of them.

[HarlemHeat37]

At the moment? Not sure. But look at the treatment of Lonnie. Look at him benching Dejounte “the future” for Mills. White being relegated to bench despite a breakout year and not getting too many minutes.

I am saying I can see it leading down that path and if it does? That is bad, bad news. Its one thing for young players to have to shut up on the bench if the team is winning. It’s another building up resentment watching Beli/Mills/Forbes get minutes over you while you get blamed.

Pop had friction with LMA so I dont think it’s something to just dismiss at this point but obviously plenty of time to correct things.

I haven't been a fan of Pop as a coach for a few years(coaches need to be administrative assistants in today's NBA more often than not), but the Spurs aren't at the point where they need to force him out, that's a stretch:lol

[DPG21920]

I haven't been a fan of Pop as a coach for a few years(coaches need to be administrative assistants in today's NBA more often than not), but the Spurs aren't at the point where they need to force him out, that's a stretch:lol

I agree. I am probably worrying to much, but man, the situation seems bad. Not in terms of wanting Pop gone. I don’t. But the atmosphere is there for the young guys to resent the situation - or do you not agree?

[timtonymanu]

The turning point was last year when Pop was commenting about the state of the league and saying “it’s not basketball” anymore and you had Steph Curry basically saying “Ok boomer” to his comment. Not to mention Bill Simmons and his remarks (which is beginning to look on point even though the sniffers will sniff away). It seems like no one other than the yes men in the Spurs organization regard Pop as much as they use to. He really is on a Kobe retirement tour at this point and the sooner he’s gone from the team, the better.

[the golden era]

https://youtu.be/94tGCBSWoP4
https://youtu.be/94tGCBSWoP4
1. Pop "Soon I won't be" quote seems deadly serious in another wise light-hearted scrum.
I don't believe he had made this comment prior to my OP. If he had, it would have been on the list as another dead giveaway. He is telegraphing my premise IMHO.

In defense of how Pop is coaching the team right now, which goes to the read on the situation articulated in the OP, as the faithful steward he HAS to continue to play LMA/DDR for two primary reasons. To maximize their potential trade value by (artificially) inflating their stats which I am sure they understand is important in the process of procuring a trade. The second, and probably just as important to Pop and by extension the kids, is to maintain to the best extent possible the overall wellbeing of the team. There is absolutely no way in my mind LMA/DDR camps don't know a trade is in the works. I am sure they have assured both camps they will accommodate the best senario possible that benefits both camps and the franchise in exchange for them continuing to keep their mouths shut and not stir up turmoil within the team and by extension media. The cost of ensuring their cooperation is the guarantee their minutes/numbers will not be sacrificed in any way. DDR is playing for a contract and needs his numbers more than anyone on the team. LMA will be playing for a contract next year and has always been consumed with numbers/touches/allstar nods. As I stated in the OP, I am sure they are waiting for the December triggering date when more players/contracts are available for trade, and I wouldn't be shocked they already have deals in place for both players.

[JeffDuncan]

...

There is absolutely no way in my mind LMA/DDR camps don't know a trade is in the works. ...
...

To whom do you imagine the Spurs are going to trade LMA? In your answer, please take into account: 1) last Oct 23 the Spurs fully guaranteed LMA's $24 million contractual amount for next year, and 2) LMA's contract includes a 15% trade kicker, the maximum amount permitted under the CBA.

To whom do you imagine the Spurs are going to trade DDR, when he has a player option for $27.7 million next year if he simply stays with the Spurs?

I'm not saying it's impossible for them to be traded, I'm only wondering how you think a trade can be worked out, and with whom?