Spurs Gregg Popovich thanks Bulls Zach LaVine for Olympic role – NBC Chicago

Popovich thanks Zach LaVine for his Olympic role originally appeared NBC Sports Chicago

SAN ANTONIO — Spurs coach Gregg Popovich did not hesitate to be asked what came up most in coaching Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.

“He was fucking hell,” Popovich said Friday night.

LaVine has spoken gloriously about his experience with USA Basketball. His respect for Popovich is deep. The feeling is mutual.

“He was so important to what we did just because of his special skills. He and Devin Booker were kind of similar in that respect. They really gave us momentum,” Popovich said. “The speed at which he plays, the athleticism he uses, I would at times be amazed at some of the things he did on the field. The speed, the pace he gave us, made many things happen.”

Earlier this season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who served as assistant coach for Popovich and USA Basketball, emphasized accepting LaVine’s role as critical to the alpha-star team. Popovich agreed.

“I remember him the most, and I can almost quote him that he would say, ‘Pop, tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll go do it.’ “Popovich said. “I’d say, ‘We have to play D.’ You have to use athleticism to stop. On the other hand, they can’t stop you if you’re active and aggressive. And he did those things.”

“He was really one of many people’s favorites – not just the coaches, but other players who hadn’t played with him. We were just amazed at the things he could do with basketball and his speed. He always had a smile on his face. He was always ready to leave. “I enjoyed him very much. He was wonderful.”

LaVine had a grin on his face as he raced down the field, almost oblivious to the rain.

“He was able to use that sportiness to get to people who weren’t used to that kind of pressure,” Popovich said. “And he was able to give it. And he did.”

And he and Popovich and the rest of USA Basketball have a gold medal to prove it.

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