?I Would Be in Handcuffs, Seriously?: Having Subjected Tony Parker to Tough Times, 74YO NBA Legend Exposes Harsh 2023 Reality

Throughout NBA history, dynasties are more common than one would imagine. The Celtics of the 60s, followed by the Lakers and Celtics of the 80s before ultimately the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s took over. However, post-Jordan, the league saw an era of parity till the Golden State Warriors formed a superteam of epic proportions. Somehow, in the meantime, a San Antonio Spurs team rattled off 5 championships.

While their choir preached team basketball and chemistry, it is never more apparent than today. As every single mainstay is finally a Hall-of-Famer, the Spurs made multiple stars. Further, they elevated basketball as a whole. However, according to the genius who orchestrated the dynasty, Gregg Popovich, the system wouldn’t have worked in today’s environment.

Gregg Popovich indirectly reveals his harsh coaching methods

In their 2 decades-long dominance, the Spurs prioritized ball movement and team chemistry. Today, that is the norm as teams like the Warriors and the Miami Heat follow similar game plans. However, as much of a lovable personality, with a quick wit to boot, as Pop is, his coaching tactics might be too harsh.

After Tony Parker alluded to his “second dad” throwing him in the fire, Pop also acknowledged the same. “With Tony, I just asked him to be perfect. At 19, that was tough. If could switch the social, you know, situations that we have now compared to back then. If I coached him now the way I did back then, I would be in handcuffs. Seriously, I would be behind bars.”

When he asked Parker for confirmation, the Frenchman was in complete agreement. However, Pop did acknowledge that he was changing with the times. “But I have mellowed. He tells me I’m soft now. So, I can’t go back to those days. You gotta change.” We know another French kid who might be hoping for a different treatment from the legendary coach.

In a hilarious skit, that involved an all-time moment, Popovich was at his legendary best. Whether quick comments or a hilarious ruse at a speech end, the 5-time Champion reminded everyone why he is one of the most beloved personalities in the sport.

Coach Pop pulls a fast one on everyone

In a heartfelt speech, the 74-year-old listed out the reasons for his success. For the award, Spurs greats like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and his fellow inductee Parker sat on the stage as Pop roused the entire audience. However, towards what seemed like the end came a hilarious moment.

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Listing off the reasons, Pop revealed that the second most important reason was visible for all to see, pointing to the players beside him. As he paused to shake their hands, the audience went into applause while the host for the evening reappeared.

Pop, however, wasn’t done. He immediately returned to the podium, claiming, “I’ve waited a long time for this moment…I’m not done.”?The moment became instantly iconic in a long list of legendary moments at the HoF ceremony. With one of the greatest classes in Hoop Hall history, the 2023 iteration will be one to remember.

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