On Sunday, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich came to the defense of LeBron James after the four-time MVP was targeted by a Fox News host who needed something to be outraged about on her nightly cable news program.
"It was an unbelievable show of arrogance for a talking head to try to tell someone else if they can speak, what they can speak about...it’s just ludicrous," Popovich said. "He’s been a brilliant example for millions of kids. Especially kids with lesser opportunities. They see in this guy someone who has consistently exhibited excellence in the workplace and gives them a voice."
Popovich also added that it's "kind of like the Black Panther movie. How cool is that for kids to have that superhero? Well, LeBron’s been that for a long time...He’s very, very special."
While Popovich's praise is undoubtedly genuine, there are some within the sports world who think there's an ulterior motive behind his words—see: LeBron's upcoming free agency. Especially when you consider James said he would consider meeting with the Spurs once he's a free agent, which isn't exactly definitive...but still. As ex-ESPNer Ryen Russillo said, "a lot of people in the NBA" think the kind words Pop issued doubled as a Spurs recruiting pitch.
As has been reported many times, the love is no doubt mutual. Not that that automatically means he's house shopping in San Antonio or anything.
I would think Popovich was just being nice, and that not everything needs to arouse suspicion. But who the hell knows?