Photo Credit: AP Photo/Luca Bruno

Gregg Popovich Reveals How Kevin Durant Left Team USA Players And Coaches In Awe

Gregg Popovich is a well-known and highly respected name in the world of basketball. He is best known for his long and successful tenure as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, but he has also made a significant impact as the head coach of Team USA in international competition.

One of the keys to Popovich’s success with Team USA has been his ability to adapt to the different challenges and styles of international basketball. Unlike in the NBA, where the rules and playing styles are relatively consistent, international competition can vary greatly from one team to the next. Popovich has shown a willingness to make adjustments and utilize different strategies to suit the strengths of his team and counter the weaknesses of his opponents.

Another key to Popovich’s success with Team USA has been his ability to forge strong relationships with his players and get them to buy into his system. He has a reputation for being demanding but fair, and his players have consistently praised him for his leadership and communication skills. In a sport where teamwork and chemistry are crucial, Popovich has done an excellent job of building a cohesive and united team.

This is also why Pop was able to lead Team USA to yet another Olympic Gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. 

Popovich now described how Kevin Durant was the leader of the team, and how KD’s post-practice workouts during the Olympics had him, his staff, and other players mesmerized and be in awe.

“I don’t think a lot of people understand. They just think he’s talented and he’s really good at getting his shot off, and so on and so forth. When practices were over, not just the other players but the coaching staff, we’d all be mesmerized watching him go through his individual workout. He’d go over on one of the baskets, usually Will Hardy would take him over there, and he busted Will’s butt for like 45 minutes chasing balls and throwing it back to him as he did his workout starting inside and going outside and making moves, pivoting, doing the whole deal. It was just his way. I don’t think other players from other teams did those sorts of things. Love the game in that way to really work on all the basics all the fundamentals. It was special. He was the leader of the group, for sure.”

Gregg Popovich says USA Basketball players and coaches were “mesmerized” watching Kevin Durant’s post-practice workout during the 2020 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/kzNniMPRLx

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 2, 2023