Popovich says Duncan to stay on with Spurs
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with player Tim Duncan during a practice day before Game 7 of the NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena June 19, 2013 in Miami, Florida. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP PHOTO / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich plans to tap into the experience of retired legend Tim Duncan for his coaching staff but is yet to nail down an exact role for the five-time NBA champion.
Duncan, 40, called time on his glittering career with the Spurs in July after 19 seasons, but will continue his association with the team as Popovich builds a new-look side.
Popovich told reporters however that Duncan’s role would evolve over time as he transitioned from playing.
“I haven’t made up a title yet but his position is he is the coach of whatever he feels like. That’s what he does,” Popovich said.
“He’s going to be around. He’s going to do whatever he wants. He’ll start out by just checking us out, see how we’re all doing.
“Make some suggestions here and there. We certainly don’t want to say goodbye in a real sense to him.”
Popovich ruled out any chance of Duncan staying on the playing staff as an option from the bench.
“He won’t be on the bench. He’s too smart for that,” he said.
As well as Duncan’s retirement, the Spurs have also parted company with Boris Diaw (Utah), David West (Golden State) and Boban Marjanovic (Detroit).
Among the arrivals on a new-look roster are Spain’s Pau Gasol as the obvious replacement for Duncan.
Popovich said he would look to Gasol to emerge as one of the pillars of the team.
“Pau Gasol is a very intelligent man. He understands how to play. He’s played for a lot of good people and that’s going to help us,” Popovich said.
“But having said that it will take time to get all the new guys to understand how we play.”
Popovich said he was relishing the opportunity to reshape the team in the post-Duncan era.
“It’s a lot of fun just to think about new bodies, new blood in the gym. Not just the players, but the staff — I don’t know half the names of the staff we’ve hired. That’s exciting,” he said.
