The San Antonio Spurs are about to enter a new era with Victor Wembanyama, but they bet on consistency by offering a five-year contract extension to head coach Gregg Popovich on Saturday.
The 74-year-old has led the Texas team since 1996. His new deal would secure him a total compensation of $80 million, reported the ESPN network.
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Popovich will have the opportunity to improve his longevity record, he who is already the oldest coach in NBA history. Also according to the American media, he could make the transition to a role that would keep him away from the floor, he who is already president of basketball operations.
The Indiana native has already had an exceptional career, including winning five championships, three Coach of the Year awards and a gold medal from the 2020 Olympics. He will also be inducted into the Hall of basketball fame in the month of August.
In 27 seasons with the Spurs, Popovich has a record of 1,366 wins and 761 losses. San Antonio has missed the playoffs for the past four years, however, settling for a moribund 22-60 record in 2022-23.
They hope, however, to revive thanks to Wembanyama, the player with generational talent who was selected first overall in the 2023 draft.