Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree is monopolizing the NBA Finals

Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree is monopolizing the NBA Final

With 1,344 victories, Gregg Popovich is the winningest NBA coach.

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The four head coaches involved in the last two NBA Finals have a tie to coach Pop, having either worked for him or played for him in San Antonio.

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Ime Udoka, the Celtics rookie head coach, played for and coached under Popovich in San Antonio.

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If this trend continues, the NBA may have to consider changing the NBA Finals to the Gregg Popovich Invitational.

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During Udoka's assistant coaching career, he spent a lot of time with Popovich on the Spurs' sideline.

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In addition to playing for the Spurs for three of his last four seasons, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also played for Pop in San Antonio.

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During his time at San Antonio, Kerr won two championships in 1999 and 2003.

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While Kerr is more known for playing with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, his playing days under coach Pop significantly influenced his coaching style at Golden State.

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Popovich runs a motion offense where everyone touches the ball.

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The only coach in the modern era who has won a championship in his first season as head coach is Udoka if Boston beats Golden State in the Finals.

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In addition to Paul Westhead (Lakers' 1979-80), Pat Riley (Lakers' 81-82), Steve Kerr (Warriors' 14-15), Tyronn Lue (Cavs' 15-16), and Nick Nurse (Lakers' 18-19), Udoka will join the Lakers.

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Also heavily influenced by Popovich was last year's Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

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