Tim Duncan

Greg Popovich, known as "Pop," became the coach of the San Antonio Spurs during the 1997-98 season. During his time in San Antonio, Pop has won more than any coach in the franchise's history. His career winning percentage of .631 puts him sixth all-time among NBA coaches, and his playoff record of 31-22 ranks third among all active coaches. A great part of Popovich's success is due to his management of the Spurs twin towers, David Robinson and Tim Duncan. He is the only coach in the NBA that Duncan has ever played for. The fact the Duncan re-signed with the Spurs in 2000 and will likely re-sign again in 2003 is a tribute to his excellent skills both on and off the court.

Popovich played basketball for four years at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After graduating in 1970 he fulfilled a five-year service commitment in the Air Force, during which time he played for the U.S. Armed Forces Team. He returned to the Air Force Academy as an assistant coach. In 1979 he became the head coach at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in Claremont, California. In 1988 he moved to the NBA as a Spurs assistant coach under Larry Brown. In the summer of 1992 he became an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors under Don Nelson. Popovich returned to San Antonio in 1994 when he was named the Spurs general manager.