Was Gregg Popovich's Defense of LeBron Actually a Recruiting Pitch?

Gregg Popovich's praise for LeBron speaking out is no doubt sincere, but people within the NBA also think it could be part of his San Antonio recruiting pitch.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich
Image via USA Today Sports/Jennifer Stewart
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich

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."

yEhzImz1

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?

Latest in Sports