https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/809557950641471488
Gregg Popovich and Craig Sager had an odd but seemingly tremendous relationship. The San Antonio Spurs head coach famously displays disdain for in-game interviews, but Popovich has never been shy about expressing his genuine affection for the late TNT analyst and, in aftermath of his tragic passing on Thursday, much of the NBA world likely looked forward to Popovich’s thoughts on the loss of his friend. Prior to his team’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Popovich addressed the media, and it was clear that he was shaken up by the loss of “a special person.”
Popovich made sure to compliment Sager on his tremendous ability to carry out his responsibilities as a basketball reporter, while also shining a light on the man himself. It is clear from his words that Popovich held Sager in the highest esteem, and while he spoke for nearly two minutes, the head coach’s closing passage perhaps encapsulates his feelings in the best fashion.
“The most amazing part of him is his courage. What he’s endured and the fight that he has put up, the courage that he’s displayed during this situation is beyond my comprehension. If any of us could display half of the courage that he has, to stay on this planet, to live every life as if it’s his last, we’d be well off. We all miss him very much.”
As is clear from the video, Popovich simply could not go on after laying out his feelings and it is impossible to blame him on this particular night. The entire NBA family mourns the loss of Craig Sager and, more so than the great majority of people that have passed on condolences, Gregg Popovich was personally touched by his life.
