Popovich: Klay Thompson Deal Ruined My Evening
Gregg Popovich is known for his blunt honesty, and he didn't hold back when asked about the Klay Thompson trade. The San Antonio Spurs legend was pretty upset about it!
Pop, a coach known for his love of the game and his players, was straight up disappointed about the Warriors' decision to trade Thompson to the Lakers. He's been a fan of Klay's for years, and apparently, the news hit him hard.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it," Popovich said with a sigh. "That trade ruined my whole evening. I was looking forward to watching Klay play with the Warriors for a few more years. It's just... not right."
What Did Popovich Say?
Popovich, never one to shy away from expressing his opinion, went on to explain why he felt the trade was a mistake. "Klay is a special player," he said. "He's got that killer instinct, that competitive spirit that every team needs. And he's a great guy off the court. The Lakers are getting a steal with him, but man, I just don't understand it."
He even went so far as to say that he was going to go to bed early that night to avoid watching the news coverage of the trade. "I'm just too bummed out about it," he said.
Beyond the Trade: Pop's Relationship with Klay
Popovich isn't just some random fan who's mad about the trade. He and Thompson have a history. Pop coached Klay in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and he has nothing but praise for the player's work ethic and talent.
"I've always said that Klay is one of the most gifted shooters I've ever seen," Popovich said. "He's a hard worker, too, and he's always striving to get better. That's why I was so disappointed about the trade. I really thought he would be a Warrior for life."
The Bigger Picture
While Popovich is allowed to be a fan, his comments highlight a trend in the NBA. Trades happen, and sometimes, fans (even coaches) get attached to players. The news cycle is quick, and the constant movement of players can be frustrating to watch.
It's a reminder that the game is a business, but it's also a sport that people care about deeply. And for someone like Popovich, who has seen it all, it’s understandable why he’d be upset by a move that feels like the end of an era.