There are very few moments in which Gregg Popovich reveals the true warmth of his heart. When those moments happen, however, it reminds us why Pop endears such loyalty and praise even from those whom he tortures the most. When he gently took the microphone from Craig Sager, Jr., looked into the camera and told Craig Sager to “get your fanny back here” during Sager’s fight with Leukemia, it showed the immense respect Pop holds for the esteemed reporter.
Pop even promised to be nice to Sager when he returned. Let’s see how Pop is holding up on that promise.
Sager's phone call from Pop last week: "Can I go back to ignoring your questions and making fun of what you wear?" https://t.co/4q26Le0z70
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) October 28, 2015
It’s nice to know that some things never change (even though, obviously, Pop was joking). Sideline interviews between Sager and Pop are can’t-miss television, more cringe-worthy than anything even the best episode of The Office could hope to accomplish. The Spurs could be up by 20 points and Pop will give Sager a curt, bordering-on-mean answer. Yet, if the Spurs are on the wrong end of a blow out, Pop could be eloquent and gracious with his reply. Sager’s never phased either way, taking it all in stride.
Forget DeAndre Jordan’s first game against the Mavericks in Dallas, or the Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers – no reunion should be more eagerly anticipated than the one between Gregg Popovich and Craig Sager.
