After nearly three decades at the helm, basketball icon Gregg Popovich is stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. The 76-year-old legend announced Friday that he will now focus solely on his duties as president of basketball operations—a role he’s held since 1994.

Popovich’s departure marks the end of one of the most remarkable coaching runs in NBA history. Over 29 seasons, he led the Spurs to five NBA championships and became the league’s all-time leader in both regular-season and playoff wins with a single team. His resume also includes three NBA Coach of the Year awards, a 2023 Hall of Fame induction, and an Olympic gold medal as head coach of Team USA in 2021.

“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them… and I’m excited to continue supporting the organization and the city I love.”

Popovich missed nearly all of the 2024 season after suffering a stroke on November 2 at the Spurs’ home arena. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over for the remainder of the season. Though Popovich expressed hopes in February of returning to the bench, a reported medical episode last month during a restaurant outing cast doubt on a full comeback.

He has not made any public appearances since the November incident but briefly addressed the team earlier this year.

Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt praised Popovich’s unparalleled impact on the organization and the city of San Antonio.

“Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound,” Holt said. “He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach.”

Popovich’s coaching journey began in 1996 when he dismissed then-head coach Bob Hill and named himself to the role. Since then, he became not only the face of the franchise but also a respected mentor and leader across the NBA.

While he may be stepping away from the sidelines, Popovich isn’t saying goodbye to basketball—or San Antonio. He’ll continue shaping the team’s future from the front office, where his legacy is sure to endure.

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Source: FOX News – Basketball great Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach after nearly 30 years

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A seismic trade shook the NBA this weekend, with multiple star players on the move in a 3-team deal. According to reports, De’Aaron Fox is heading to the San Antonio Spurs, Zach LaVine is joining the Sacramento Kings, and Kevin Huerter will be moving to the Chicago Bulls. The trade also includes multiple draft picks, further adding to its significance. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to break the news.

Impact on the Spurs: A New Dynamic Duo

The San Antonio Spurs have pulled off a major move to complement their prized rookie, Victor Wembanyama, who is on a fast track to superstardom. As the reigning Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama is making waves with his MVP-caliber performances and is even considered a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award. With Fox joining the team, the Spurs are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the future.

Fox, who is averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and 5 rebounds per game this season, brings significant experience and talent to San Antonio. A former All-Star and All-NBA player, Fox is entering his eighth season and will now get the chance to play alongside Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 phenom that makes life easier for any point guard. As Fox becomes extension-eligible this summer, his decision to join the Spurs seems like a move to take advantage of the team’s promising future.

What’s most impressive is how the Spurs secured Fox without sacrificing much of their coveted young talent. Players like rookie Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson all remain with the team, as do veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, both of whom are in their first season with the Spurs.

The Kings: Zach LaVine’s Fresh Start

Meanwhile, Zach LaVine is set for a fresh start with the Sacramento Kings, where he will reunite with former Chicago Bulls teammate, DeMar DeRozan. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is having another strong season, averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He’s also enjoying career-best efficiency, shooting 44.6% from beyond the arc and 51.1% overall from the field.

LaVine will join a potent Sacramento squad led by Domantas Sabonis, a perennial All-NBA candidate. His addition provides the Kings with another dynamic scoring option to complement their already high-powered offense.

The Bulls: Kevin Huerter and Draft Picks

For the Chicago Bulls, the trade brings in guard Kevin Huerter, who has averaged 11.5 points per game in his career, primarily with the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. Huerter, who has been coming off the bench for the Kings this season, will benefit from a fresh start in Chicago.

The Bulls also receive several valuable draft picks, including:

• 2025 first-round pick (via the Spurs)
• 2025 second-round pick (via the Nuggets)
• 2028 second-round pick (via the Bulls)
• 2028 second-round pick (via the Kings)
• 2031 first-round pick (via the Timberwolves)

Full Trade Breakdown

San Antonio Spurs Receive:

• De’Aaron Fox
• Jordan McLaughlin

Sacramento Kings Receive:

• Zach LaVine
• Sidy Cissoko
• 2025 first-round pick (via Hornets)
• 2027 first-round pick (via Spurs)
• 2031 first-round pick (via Timberwolves)
• 2025 second-round pick (via Nuggets)
• 2028 second-round pick (via Bulls)
• 2028 second-round pick (via Kings)

Chicago Bulls Receive:

• Zach Collins
• Tre Jones
• Kevin Huerter
• 2025 first-round pick (via Spurs)

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Deal

This 3-team trade has reshaped the futures of all three franchises involved. The Spurs are building a formidable duo with Wembanyama and Fox, while the Kings bolster their offense with LaVine. Meanwhile, the Bulls add depth and valuable assets for the future. As the NBA trade season continues, this deal stands out as one that could significantly impact the balance of power in the league for years to come.

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Orlando, Fla. — Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in his reaction to the Sacramento Kings’ decision to fire Mike Brown. Expressing his displeasure with the move, Malone criticized the team and owner Vivek Ranadive for showing “no class.”

The Kings parted ways with Brown on Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania, following a disappointing 13-18 start to the season and a 12th-place standing in the Western Conference. Brown’s firing marked a swift turn of events, given his success just a year earlier.

Malone’s Personal Connection and Reaction

Malone, who coached the Kings for two seasons, has a personal history with the organization. He was fired by Ranadive in December 2014, and Brown’s firing marked the sixth coaching change since Malone’s departure. Reflecting on the move, Malone admitted he wasn’t surprised by the decision but expressed outrage at the way it was handled.

“I’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired because I got fired by the same person,” Malone said. “And what really pissed me off about it was the fact that they lost last night, their fifth game in a row. Tough loss. They had practiced this morning, he does his postgame media, and he’s in his car going to the airport when they called him on the phone. No class, no balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”

Reactions from Other Coaches

Malone wasn’t alone in his condemnation. Several NBA coaches expressed their disbelief and disappointment over Brown’s dismissal.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle opened his pregame media session by addressing the firing, calling it “shocking.” He praised Brown’s integrity and professionalism, saying, “I view him as one of the standard bearers for integrity for our profession. I’m absolutely shocked that decision was made.”

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, a close friend and mentor of Brown, also shared his thoughts, acknowledging Brown’s positive impact on the Kings’ culture. “He compiled a record of 107-88 while he was there. He changed a bit of that culture,” Mosley said. “I say these things not as a fellow coach, but as a close friend. He’s been a mentor to me, and I know how good he is and how he cares.”

A Stark Contrast: From Coach of the Year to Fired

Brown’s firing comes as a surprise given his accomplishments. Just last season, he was named the unanimous NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Kings to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Despite his success, the Kings were quick to pull the trigger after a slow start to the current season.

New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, also a two-time Coach of the Year, expressed his disappointment: “Mike’s a terrific person and a great coach. It’s unfortunate.”

Shocking Nature of the Firing

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who worked closely with Brown as his assistant, also voiced his shock. “It just seems so shocking when a guy’s the unanimous Coach of the Year a year and a half ago,” Kerr said. “When you think about where that franchise was before Mike got there… really shocking.”

The Bigger Picture: NBA Coaching Changes

Brown’s firing is part of a broader trend of coaching changes in the NBA. In 2024 alone, there have already been nine head coaching changes, bringing the total to 300 since Gregg Popovich became the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996.

Brown, who previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and a second stint with Cleveland before joining the Kings, has had a varied coaching career but will likely land on his feet, according to Rick Carlisle. “Mike’s a great man and a great basketball man. Really one of the pillars of our profession,” Carlisle said. “It’s just hard to believe that this decision was made. But teams have the right to do things like this, obviously.”

Conclusion

While Brown’s firing is part of the unpredictable nature of the NBA coaching profession, the swift and impersonal nature of the decision has left many in the basketball world questioning the Kings’ approach. Despite the challenges, Brown’s character and coaching acumen ensure that he will continue to have a lasting impact on the game and the people who know him.

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The Charlotte Hornets recently faced backlash after a seemingly generous act during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers took an awkward turn. In an on-court skit, the team’s mascot, Hugo, dressed as Santa Claus, handed a PlayStation 5 to a young fan, only for the gift to be taken away off-camera.

The Incident Caught on Camera

The moment, shared on X (formerly Twitter) and amassing 4.5 million views, initially showed the young fan, 13-year-old Jack, overjoyed as he accepted the PS5. The crowd, dancers, and cheerleaders cheered him on, sharing his excitement. However, according to an X user who identified himself as a friend of Jack’s family, Hornets staff later reclaimed the PS5 and replaced it with a jersey instead.

A Grinch-Like Moment

Jack’s uncle, Alexei Phillips, told Queen City News (QCN) that he was quietly informed by a staff member beforehand that the kids participating in the skit wouldn’t keep the gifts. However, this critical detail wasn’t shared with Jack, leading to confusion and disappointment when the gift was taken back.

“At this point, everybody thinks that Jack is going to get this PS5,” Phillips said. “Even a Hornets dancer congratulated him and packed the PS5 in a bag for him.” But the festive joy quickly turned awkward backstage when staff clarified that Jack wasn’t keeping the console.

Phillips recalled: “Everybody thought it was a joke at first, but then it became clear that it wasn’t.”

Hornets Issue an Apology

Acknowledging the fallout, the Hornets released a statement, admitting that the skit “missed the mark” due to poor communication and decision-making.

“We turned the ball over and we apologize,” the team said, emphasizing their commitment to making amends. The Hornets have since reached out to Jack’s family, promising to deliver the PS5 he should have received, along with a VIP experience at a future game.

Family Responds With Understanding

Despite the awkward moment, Jack’s uncle emphasized there were no hard feelings. “The funny thing is, if he’d just gotten the jersey on the court, he would’ve been thrilled,” Phillips said.

Ultimately, the Hornets managed to turn things around, ensuring that Jack’s holiday spirit wasn’t dampened. This time, it looks like Christmas was saved after all.

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Adam Silver, who last January agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in the NBA commissioner’s office through the end of the decade, begins his next term with … nothing to do. “There’s a lot to do,” insists Silver, chuckling. True, running a multibillion-dollar sports league with its tentacles everywhere around the globe is a full-time job. But Silver begins his 11th year as commissioner with the biggest agenda items already taken care of. Last year the league and the players union ratified a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement. In July, the NBA finalized a new broadcast rights deal, an 11-year, $77 billion windfall that will kick in next season. For the time being, it looks like clear sailing ahead.

Silver will happily acknowledge that, structurally, the NBA is in as good a place as it has been in ages. “Not just in my time as commissioner,” Silver says. “But in my [32] years at the league.” Parity, a decades-long dream of the NBA, has been achieved. Over the last six seasons, the league has crowned six different champions, with not so much as a back-to-back finalist. The CBA has choked off the ability of large-market teams to spend their way to success. “It goes more to how the team is built rather than to the outcome,” Silver says. “We want teams to be rewarded for drafting well and developing players well.”

So what are Silver’s priorities now? In a wide-ranging interview, he addresses the key items that remain on his agenda.

Item 1: NBA Expansion

With the CBA and the broadcast deals wrapped up, the possibility of the league adding teams for the first time in 20 years moves to the front burner. While it’s believed that the NBA will add two cities—with Seattle and Las Vegas as the front-runners—Silver cautions that any expansion talks are preliminary. While admitting two new teams could generate up to $10 billion in franchise fees, there are also concerns.

Silver’s take: “It’s one of the reasons why expansion isn’t as obvious as some people might think. There is a point of view that I often encounter that expansion is printing money. It’s not. First of all, you’re in essence selling equity in the league. To the extent you have new national television deals, you now have two new partners, so you’re dividing up the money by two additional ways. There’s also a dilution of talent. It’s one of the reasons we haven’t expanded anytime recently, because we’ve been working towards creating a more competitive league.”

Item 2: WNBA Expansion

The women’s game, Silver says, could expand more quickly. The league recently added a franchise in San Francisco to begin play next season, with Portland and Toronto joining in 2026, bringing the total to 15 teams. Interest in the WNBA, fueled in large part by the arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has exploded.

Silver’s take: “I know both [WNBA] commissioner [Cathy] Engelbert’s and my phones have been ringing off the hook over the last several months from parties interested in owning or investing in WNBA teams. When we launched the league 28 years ago, our goal was to have a WNBA team affiliated with every NBA franchise. We’ve clearly had some fits and starts along the way, and it may be that there are markets that the NBA is not in which make a lot of sense for the WNBA. At the same time, our goal would be to have a robust league roughly equivalent to the NBA. The fact that there’s all this interest doesn’t mean we should expand that quickly. We should be careful and deliberate in the way we do it.”

Item 3: Enhancing the Fan Experience

This, Silver says, “is at the top of my agenda.” The NBA is satisfied with its in-game experience. Arenas were at 98% capacity last season, and teams continue to innovate in areas such as food, accessibility and entertainment. “There’s not a lot of room to grow there,” Silver says. Where there is room is in the home viewing experience.

Silver’s take: “There’s enormous opportunity to grow, especially on a global basis. What that will require is using new technology that’s largely coming through streaming services to find better ways to engage fans. That comes through the personalization of those telecasts—things you can’t do certainly on broadcast television or on linear cable, but you can through streaming, where if people want to chat as part of a larger community during the game because they’re hard-core fans, they can. Or if they want to have discussions about individual players because they went to the same college, or they are interested in that player’s fashion choices. You name it, you can create communities around it.

“If fans want to buy products around the game, that’s available to them. If they want to play fantasy around what’s happening on the court, depending on the jurisdiction. If they want to bet, and now I’m talking about in-play betting. We’re just barely scratching the surface in terms of that interest.”

Item 4: Harnessing Technology

For years, the NBA has utilized artificial intelligence for everything from generating highlights to translating play-by-play into multiple languages.

Silver’s take: “Using technology, we can get sophisticated fan data to better understand where we gain viewers and where we lose them. For example, we’ve made some changes in the last few years because of concerns around [having] so many stoppages in the last few minutes for replay. One way around that is, and we’re investing a lot here, using technology that can make objective calls.

“There are a hundred fingers on the floor at all times, and creating technology that can instantaneously tell the officials whose finger the ball went off of or who stepped out of bounds will help with the pace of the game. [Look at] Hawk-Eye at the U.S. Open in tennis, It’s just, Ball’s out, hit the line, move on. We can do better in getting the call right, but also in creating a better pace to the game.”

Item 5: Protecting the Integrity of the Sport

Last April, the NBA faced an existential crisis. Jontay Porter, a backup forward with the Raptors, was caught, as the league later revealed, “disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.” Silver quickly banned Porter for life, and it likely won’t be the last time the commissioner has to hand out a severe punishment to send a message about what will happen to players who manipulate results. The proliferation of legal sports gambling—which Silver, as far back as 2014, strongly advocated for—has created more opportunities for exploitation.

Silver’s take: “We spend a lot of time thinking about that. There’s no question, there are ways that we can improve monitoring, and we’ve talked directly to the betting companies about that. I’d say one of the issues we deal with now is in [the Porter] case, you have Canadian regulations, and then in the U.S. you now have roughly 35 states with legalized sports betting, with, in many cases, very different regulatory framework.

“Even before sports betting became legalized in all these states, I was in favor of federal jurisdiction. I still think that we would be better off with a consistent national framework. I’m realistic. That’s not at the top of anybody’s list in Congress right now, so I’m not holding my breath waiting for that to happen.

“At the same time, I think that as we and the other leagues work together on some of these monitoring issues, AI is going to play a big part in this. I think that these monitoring systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated to [detect] aberrant behavior. In some cases, that isn’t necessarily tied directly to betting activity, but it sets off flags that suggest you may want to look at what’s happening in an individual situation because things are happening either statistically or from an operational standpoint that are not consistent with a data set that you’re seeing for other players.

“And we’re learning about the best ways to protect our players. It hasn’t been a secret. We’ve heard directly from coaches and players who felt harassed, whether it’s over point spreads or over/unders or prop bets. Just like we’ve dealt with other areas in problematic speech not relating to sports betting, it’s on us working with our teams to draw the appropriate lines. We want to do everything we can to make sure there’s a safe environment for them and our officials. We’re learning as we go, and no question there’s room for improvement.”

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