# \[The Athletic\] 格雷格·波波维奇如何悄然成为马刺的秘密武器：“他在为你注入生命力”
**URL:** https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46410
**Category:** 环球刺讯
**Tags:** 米奇-约翰逊, 2025-26赛季, 蒂姆-邓肯, 卡特-布莱恩特, 格雷格-波波维奇, 德文-瓦塞尔, 维克托-文班亚马
**Created:** [2026 年5 月 14 日 11:00 UTC](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46410 "2026-05-14T11:00:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### 作者：  [@TheAthletic](https://chinaspurs.com/u/TheAthletic)
#### 发布日期： [2026 年5 月 14 日 11:00 UTC](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46410/1 "2026-05-14T11:00:38Z")
By Jared Weiss | The Athletic, 2026-05-14 09:30:48
_《The Athletic》为您现场报道[马刺对阵森林狼](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/spurs-vs-timberwolves-live-updates-nba-playoffs-game-6-score-result/SINIFqmnjnzV/)的[2026年NBA西部半决赛第六场](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/spurs-vs-timberwolves-live-updates-nba-playoffs-game-6-score-result/SINIFqmnjnzV/)。_
圣安东尼奥——德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) 迫不及待地想听听“老大 (El Jefe)”会说些什么。他坐在球馆东南角的讲台前，但目光能一直穿过房间，看到他曾经的主帅、如今的导师。那是一个满头银发的身影，在远处像一个小点，拄着长拐杖，带着一丝不易察觉的微笑。
25 岁的侧翼球员瓦塞尔已经成为这支年轻马刺队的老将之一，他是一个总能保持冷静的定海神针。他在球馆里走动时，流露出一种射手特有的气场——仿佛每一次出手都能命中。虽然事实并非总是如此，但这并不会改变他的心态。
当你身边有这样一位 NBA 历史胜场数第一的主帅不断为你注入信心时，保持这种心态就变得容易多了。
瓦塞尔知道，只要他走过去，格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 就会有话直说，给他一些智慧箴言，让他重新感觉到自己站在世界之巅。
“归根结底，他总会给你反馈，他告诉你的总是事实和真话，”瓦塞尔说道，“这正是你需要的，因为身边可能会有很多废话。但你需要听到真相，需要了解到底发生了什么，而他肯定会做到这一点。”
这是本赛季所有接受过波波维奇指导的马刺球员的共同感受。去年波波维奇从教练岗位退休后，开启了这一新角色。现任主帅米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 在 2024 年 11 月波波维奇中风后临危受命，担任临时主帅。赛季结束后，波波维奇召开新闻发布会，宣布将不再担任主教练，并承担起“El Jefe”（西班牙语，意为“老大”）的新角色，当时他还穿着一件印有这个词的衬衫。他的正式头衔是篮球运营总裁，但他的职责似乎更侧重于为他的继任者约翰逊以及更衣室里的每一个人提供幕后支持和指导。
“他这一整年都发挥了重要作用，”新秀卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) 告诉《The Athletic》，“这太不可思议了。不是每个人都能让史上最伟大的教练就这样坐在你身边指导。我只是尽可能多地汲取他的智慧。”
20 岁的布莱恩特表现出色，在一支拥有 62 胜的争冠球队中站稳了轮换位置，并随队征战季后赛深处，他经常能从 2015 年 NBA 总冠军得主哈里森·巴恩斯 (Harrison Barnes) 手中赢得登场机会。布莱恩特从未在波波维奇麾下打过球，直到去年秋天才见到他。但他很快就向这位传奇教练寻求资源，而“老大”对他而言，不仅是资源，更是更多。
“有时候他在赛后给我打电话太快了，我们还在更衣室里，我都接不了，”布莱恩特说，“他几乎每场比赛后都会给我发短信。我大概每周会和他通三次电话。”
布莱恩特并非个例。在球队内部，波波维奇整个赛季都在与每位球员建立或维持关系，这早已是公开的秘密。他每天都会和马刺效力时间最长的球员凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson) 交流。二年级后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 也经常向波波维奇寻求建议，并请教如何应对赛季中的种种挑战。无论他们是为波波维奇效力了七年还是七天，他都全心全意地关注着他们。
赛季期间，波波维奇偶尔会在媒体开放时段出现在训练场，在他曾经执教的场地旁侃侃而谈。他会坐在那里观察，球员们会一个接一个地走过来听取简报。他经常把手搭在他们的肩膀上，坐在位子上演示一些战术技巧，有时还会走动一下，向站在场边的球员或教练交代几句。
最近，波波维奇开始更多地从幕后走向台前。球员们已经预料到，只要他们在圣安东尼奥，任何时候去上班，波波维奇都可能在那里。马刺队 CEO RC·布福德 (RC Buford) 表示，波波维奇每周至少有四天在球馆进行中风后的康复训练，经常会有蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan) 或其他回城的马刺传奇球星陪同。
“这就是为什么在波波的中风康复过程中，蒂姆每天都和他一起在球馆里，这并不是因为波波要求他去，”[布福德上个月告诉《The Athletic》](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/45769)，“而是因为蒂姆感受到了一种情感连接，他想以波波曾经支持他的方式来支持波波。只要大家回城，都会去那里。”
甚至当马刺队的飞机降落时，也能感受到波波维奇的存在。本周早些时候，有人看到波波维奇在谈论维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) ——当时球队飞机刚刚降落，这位马刺球星在对阵明尼苏达森林狼队的次轮系列赛第四场中，[因肘击纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 颈部被驱逐出场](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46303)。
“他出现在那里，也许是想表达一种态度，或者让他的话更有影响力，”文班亚马说，“他在整个系列赛、整个比赛过程中都会定期给我们反馈并与我们交流。一如既往，当他开口时，所有人都会倾听。”
但这绝非偶然。波波维奇整个赛季曾多次在跑道旁等候。
“我们知道他的车长什么样。所以当我们看到他的车，就知道他在那里，”替补控卫乔丹·麦克劳林 (Jordan McLaughlin) 说道，“知道他就在我们身后支持并关注着我们，这种感觉很好。”
约翰逊和他的教练组在日常运营中保持着自主权。这是他们的球队，而波波是在那里提供支持。波波维奇偶尔会参加教练组会议，随着年轻的马刺队开始向总冠军发起冲击，这种频率也越来越高。在次轮系列赛早些时候的一次训练后的录像课上，波波维奇是第一个从录像室附近走出来的人。瓦塞尔表示，波波维奇在那次录像课上提供了很多帮助。
“他就在那儿看录像。他热爱篮球，”麦克劳林说，“只要有机会，他就会在身边。”
但他的影响力主要体现在个人层面，帮助像瓦塞尔和布莱恩特这样的球员在看清大局的同时找到专注点。
“我认为这是一件大事，尊重比赛，不要把这一切视为理所当然，”瓦塞尔说，“在生活方面，他也教了我很多场外的事情，无论是家庭还是回馈社区，他总是把这些放在首位，我为此非常感激他。”
波波维奇在教练与球员的沟通渠道中扮演着独特的角色。每位球员都分配有一名负责其发展的助理教练，负责协调和执行所有场上训练和录像研究。助教负责管理球员的情绪和准备情况，帮助他们应对赛季的挑战。然后是核心助教，比如副主教练肖恩·斯威尼 (Sean Sweeney)，他们通常扮演更平衡的角色，协调比赛计划策略，与主教练一起做出大局决策，同时与球员保持接触。前排助教往往也有他们主要负责的球员，尽管他们的职责分配得更广。
主教练，比如现在的约翰逊，必须在对球队整体做出所有微观和宏观决策的同时，与阵容中的每个人维持关系。主教练为每个球员设定优先事项的基调。伟大的主教练能够在承担所有这些职责的同时，让球员感觉到彼此之间仍保持着亲密的关系。
“老大”这一角色让波波维奇能够填补整体流程中的一些空白，范围从具体的场上指导到提供关于心态的宏观视角。
“他在为你注入生命力，”布莱恩特说，“很多时候，有些话你需要从不同的人口中听到。有时候，当这些话不是来自那个一年 82 场比赛都在你耳边唠叨的声音时，反而更能让你开窍。”
格雷格·波波维奇向德文·瓦塞尔面授机宜。多名马刺球员表示，波波维奇的建议对他们的成功至关重要。（图源：Ronald Cortes / Getty Images）
球队传奇人物远距离参与球员事务并不罕见。在波士顿，已故的名人堂教练兼球员汤米·海因索恩 (Tommy Heinsohn) 会在艰难的失利后出现在更衣室，与凯尔特人的核心球员交谈。有些球队会让前任教练担任高级顾问，继续不时提供指导。波波维奇似乎正在将“老大”这一角色转变为他自己的版本，展示他建立球员关系的标志性能力，同时由于不再负责管理整个项目，他也稍微松了松油门。
“这很有趣，因为你听过关于他对球员很严厉的故事，显然，他不是我的主教练，所以我没有那种经历，”布莱恩特说，“但我心想，‘你们在说什么呢？’这家伙是全世界最贴心、最友善的人。他太酷了。”
在波波维奇的支持下，布莱恩特表示，季后赛对他来说实际上比赛季初期更轻松。为了赢得登场时间而必须表现的压力产生了他所谓的“不必要的压力”，这夺走了他打球的乐趣。然后，波波打电话告诉他要打得自由，享受乐趣。
“归根结底，当你思考这些时，你会感激自己拥有健康，感激每天醒来，感激能在生活中拥有这一切，”布莱恩特说，“篮球终究只是篮球。”
现在，布莱恩特和这支年轻马刺队的其他成员一样，正打得自由自在，享受其中。马刺队本赛季超出了所有人的预期，这在很大程度上要归功于约翰逊和他的教练组贡献了联盟顶级的执教表现。但管理一支球队需要众人的努力，而“老大”一直在尽自己的一份力。
随着马刺队距离在西部决赛中对阵俄克拉荷马城雷霆队仅差一场胜利，布莱恩特将扮演自己的角色，无论大小。
无论发生什么，他都得赶快跑回更衣室，因为他知道他的电话一定会响起。
_由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。_
> **点击查看原文：How Gregg Popovich quietly became the Spurs' secret weapon: 'He's speaking life into you'**
>
> # How Gregg Popovich quietly became the Spurs’ secret weapon: ‘He’s speaking life into you’
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> 
>
> _The Athletic has live coverage of [Spurs vs. Timberwolves](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/spurs-vs-timberwolves-live-updates-nba-playoffs-game-6-score-result/SINIFqmnjnzV/) from Game 6 of the [2026 NBA Western Conference Semifinals.](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/spurs-vs-timberwolves-live-updates-nba-playoffs-game-6-score-result/SINIFqmnjnzV/)_
>
> SAN ANTONIO — Devin Vassell can’t wait to hear what El Jefe has to say. He’s sitting at a podium in the southeast corner of the gym but can see his former coach and current mentor all the way across the room. A little white head of hair, a dot in the distance, with a long cane and an undercover smile.
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> Vassell, the 25-year-old wing, has become one of the vets of this young Spurs team, a steady hand who always keeps his cool. He walks around the building with the demeanor of a shooter who knows it’s going down every time. It won’t, but that doesn’t change a thing.
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> It’s easy to think that way when he has the NBA’s all-time winningest coach pumping confidence into him.
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> Vassell knows when he goes over there, Gregg Popovich is going to keep it real, give him some nuggets of wisdom and have him feeling back on top of the world.
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> “At the end of the day, he’s always giving you feedback, and he’s telling you the truth and honesty,” Vassell said. “That’s what you need to hear because it’s a lot of BS that might go around. But you need to hear the truth, you need to hear what’s going on, and he’ll do that for sure.”
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> It’s a common theme from everyone on the Spurs who has been mentored by Popovich this season in his new role after he retired from coaching last year. Current coach Mitch Johnson stepped in on an interim basis in November 2024 after Popovich suffered a stroke. After the season, Popovich held a news conference where he announced that he would step away from coaching and take on the new role of “El Jefe” (Spanish for “The Boss”), wearing a shirt that said as much. He is formally listed as the president of basketball operations, but his role appears to be focused on providing behind-the-scenes support and guidance to Johnson, his successor, and everyone in the locker room.
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> “He’s been a big part of this whole year,” rookie Carter Bryant told _The Athletic_. “It’s been amazing. Not everybody has the greatest coach of all time just kind of sitting there in their laps. I just try to take it up as much as I can.”
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> The 20-year-old Bryant has played well enough to hold down a rotation spot for a 62-win contender deep into the postseason, often earning his spot over Harrison Barnes, an NBA champion in 2015. Bryant never played for Pop and just met him back in the fall. But he quickly sought out the coaching legend as a resource, and El Jefe has been that and more for him.
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> “Sometimes he calls me so fast after the game that we’re still in the locker room and I can’t even answer it,” Bryant said. “He texts me damn near after every game. I probably talk to him on the phone three times a week.”
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> Bryant is not alone. It was an open secret within the team that Popovich was forging or maintaining relationships with each player all season long. He talks to Keldon Johnson, the longest-tenured Spurs player, every day. Second-year guard Steph Castle leans on Popovich often for advice and help navigating the season. Whether they played for Popovich for seven years or seven days, he’s been locked in for them.
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> During the season, Popovich would poke his head out at practice once in a blue moon while the media were present, holding court by what used to be his court. He would sit and observe as players would come over, one by one, for a debriefing. He’d often put his hand on their shoulder, demonstrate some sort of X’s-and-O’s tip from his seat and sometimes walk around to say something to players or coaches standing on the sidelines.
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> Recently, Popovich has started to emerge more from the shadows. The players have come to expect that when they’re in San Antonio, any time they show up to work, Popovich may be there. Spurs CEO RC Buford said Popovich was in the gym at least four times a week rehabbing from his stroke, often with Tim Duncan or other Spurs legends visiting town.
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> “It’s the reason why, with Pop’s stroke rehabilitation, Tim’s in the gym with him every day, and that’s not because Pop is telling him to be there,” [Buford told _The Athletic_ last month](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7206454/2026/04/17/gregg-popovich-spurs-practice-nba-playoffs/). “It’s because Tim feels the emotional connection to want to be there in the ways that Pop was there for him. Anytime people are in town, they’ll be in there.”
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> Even when the Spurs land, Popovich’s presence is felt. Earlier this week, Popovich was spotted talking to Victor Wembanyama when the team plane landed after the Spurs’ star was ejected from Game 4 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves [for elbowing Naz Reid in the neck](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7269137/2026/05/10/victor-wembanyama-ejected-spurs-timberwolves-flagrant-2/).
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> “He maybe wanted to make a statement, or make his talking even more impactful, by being there,” Wembanyama said. “He gives feedback and talks to us regularly throughout our series, throughout our games. As always, when he speaks, everybody listens.”
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> But this was far from a one-off thing. Popovich has been waiting by the runway multiple times throughout the season.
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> “We know what his car looks like. So when we see his car, we know he’s there,” reserve point guard Jordan McLaughlin said. “It’s nice to know he’s in our corner and always watching us.”
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> Johnson and his staff maintain autonomy over the day-to-day operations. It’s their team, and Pop is there for support. Popovich sits in with the coaching staff from time to time, more frequently as the young Spurs embark on a run at the championship. When the Spurs were in a film session following a practice earlier in this second-round series, Popovich was the first person to emerge from the vicinity of the film room. Vassell said Popovich helped out a lot in that film session.
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> “He was just there watching film. He loves basketball,” McLaughlin said. “He’s around anytime he can be.”
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> But he’s mostly carried out his impact at an individual level, helping players such as Vassell and Bryant find their focus while seeing the bigger picture.
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> “I think that’s one big thing, respecting the game and not taking any of this for granted,” Vassell said. “And just with life, he’s taught me so much stuff off the court, whether it’s family or giving back in the community, he’s always had that at his forefront, and I appreciate him for that.”
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> Popovich plays a distinct role in the coach-to-player communication pipeline. Each player has an assistant coach assigned to him for his development, which includes coordinating and executing all on-court training and film study. The assistants are responsible for managing the players’ emotions and preparedness, helping them navigate the challenges of the season. Then there are the core assistant coaches, such as associate head coach Sean Sweeney, who typically play a more balanced role of coordinating game-plan strategy, making big-picture decisions with the head coach while maintaining touchpoints with the players. Front-bench assistants tend to have players for whom they are the primary coaches as well, though their duties are split more broadly.
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> A head coach, such as Johnson now, must maintain their own relationships with everyone on the roster while making all of the micro and macro decisions about what the team will do as a whole. Head coaches set the tone for priorities for each player. Great head coaches are able to make the players feel as if there is still a close relationship amid all of those responsibilities.
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> The El Jefe role allows Popovich to fill some of the gaps in the overall process, ranging from specific on-court instruction to offering a bigger-picture perspective on mindset.
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> “He’s speaking life into you,” Bryant said. “A lot of times, there’s some things you need to hear from different people. Sometimes it clicks when it’s not the constant voice that you’re hearing for 82 games out of the year.”
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> 
> Gregg Popovich makes a point to Devin Vassell, one of several Spurs who say Popovich’s advice has been vital to their success. (Ronald Cortes / Getty Images)
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> It is not uncommon for franchise legends to be involved with players from a distance. In Boston, late Hall of Fame coach and player Tommy Heinsohn would poke his head in the locker room to speak with key Celtics players after tough losses. Some teams will have former coaches serve as senior advisers who continue to provide guidance from time to time. Popovich appears to be turning the El Jefe role into his own version of that, displaying his signature ability to forge relationships with players while easing up a bit on the throttle now that he is no longer in charge of managing the whole program.
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> “It’s funny because you hear the stories about him being tough on guys and, obviously, he’s not my head coach, so I don’t kind of get that same experience,” Bryant said. “But I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ This dude is the sweetest, nicest guy. He’s dope.”
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> With Popovich’s support, Bryant said the playoffs have actually been less nerve-wracking for him than the beginning of the season. The need to perform to earn minutes produced what he called “unnecessary pressure,” and it was taking his joy of the game away. Then, Pop called and told him to play free and have fun.
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> “When you think about it at the end of the day, you’re grateful to be healthy, you’re grateful to wake up, you’re grateful to do all these things and have all these things in your life on a daily basis,” Bryant said. “Basketball’s going to be basketball.”
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> Now Bryant, like the rest of this young Spurs team, is playing free and having fun. The Spurs have exceeded every expectation this season, thanks in large part to Johnson and his staff having one of the best performances in the league. But running a team takes a village, and El Jefe has continued to do his part.
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> As the Spurs find themselves one win away from a showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, Bryant will play some role, big or small.
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> Whatever happens, he’ll have to race back to the locker room, because he knows his phone will be ringing.
By Jared Weiss, via [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7278122/2026/05/14/gregg-popovich-spurs-coach-nba-playoffs-secret/)
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### 作者：  [@TheAthletic](https://chinaspurs.com/u/TheAthletic)
#### 发布日期： [2026 年5 月 14 日 12:50 UTC](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46410/2 "2026-05-14T12:50:46Z")
# 热评：
> [@J.P. F.](#):
>
> 非常棒的文章——正是因为有这样的深度报道，我才一直续订。
>
> > [@Sean O.](#):
> >
> > @J.p. F. 诚然。读起来非常过瘾。而且波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 太牛了。
>
> > [@Larry C.](#):
> >
> > @Sean O. 波波维奇是最棒的。就像托米 (Tommy) 会说的那样：“我❤波波！另外，谢谢波波送来德里克·怀特 (Derrick White)！我想说，清理掉你们的后场球员对我们来说结果相当不错……很高兴听到你重回正轨！感谢贾里德 (Jared) 带来关于这位马刺传奇教练的最新消息！”
>
> > [@david X.](#):
> >
> > @J.p. F. 祝波波维奇一切都好。波波就是顶级。
> [@NICHOLAS P.](#):
>
> 马刺的文化确实是仅次于一家的存在。即使在波波维奇退出日常管理职责后，依然由他坐镇球队——还有多少其他球队能拥有这种延续性？还有多少其他球队能让蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan) 这样的名人堂成员依然参与到运营和文化建设中？这简直不可思议。
>
> > [@Larry C.](#):
> >
> > @NICHOLAS P. 仅次于一家？感谢你对绿军 ☘👍😁 的认可。
>
> > [@Theodore R.](#):
> >
> > @Nicholas P. 如果我指出热火队似乎也有非常类似的教练和退役球员文化模式，只是他们不太擅长摆烂，也没能每十年赢下一两次乐透抽签，这会不会显得太冒昧了？
>
> > [@Tuiuan A.](#):
> >
> > @Theodore R. 关于乐透改革，我非常高兴的一点是，它奖励了像迈阿密热火这样很少摆烂、即使在没有明显天赋可用时也努力寻求补强的球队。
>
> > [@Denver G.](#):
> >
> > @Larry C. 我不同意。我认为圣安东尼奥马刺 (SAS) 组织是无与伦比的。凯尔特人确实有更辉煌的历史，但在过去的 20 到 30 年里，马刺拥有最好的管理体系。
>
> > [@Larry C.](#):
> >
> > @Denver G. 这种分歧很公平……我只是不能错过尼古拉斯 (Nicholas) 的那个笔误——“仅次于一家（2nd to 1️⃣）”！而且我的追随史可以追溯到里德 (Red) 和拉塞尔 (Russell) 的时代……所以必须支持绿军 ☘。两支球队都有伟大的组织和文化，既然凯尔特人已经出局了，我会支持波波维奇和他的马刺夺冠！
>
> > [@Terence G.](#):
> >
> > @Denver G. 没错。我们自己的萨姆·普雷斯蒂 (Sam Presti) 也是出自马刺系。真正的俄克拉荷马城雷霆球迷都非常感激这段渊源。而且，如果我们能在西决相遇，我希望雷霆能把马刺揍得落花流水！
> > #ThunderUp!
> [@Phil W.](#):
>
> 多么精彩的报道。看到波波维奇、邓肯、马努·吉诺比利 (Manu Ginobili)、大卫·罗宾逊 (David Robinson) 和肖恩·埃利奥特 (Sean Elliott) 出现在今年季后赛马刺的每一个主场比赛中，真是令人印象深刻。体育界还有哪支球队能说他们拥有这样的文化。
>
> > [@bruce C.](#):
> >
> > @Phil W. 还有布鲁斯·鲍文 (Bruce Bowen)。
>
> > [@Stephen S.](#):
> >
> > @Bruce C. 还有安东尼奥·丹尼尔斯 (Antonio Daniels)、丹尼·格林 (Danny Green)、法布里齐奥·奥博托 (Fabricio Oberto)、乔治·希尔 (George Hill)。
>
> > [@Michael J.](#):
> >
> > @Stephen S. 另外蒂亚戈·斯普利特 (Tiago Splitter) 现场看了首轮所有的比赛。
> [@Jacob F.](#):
>
> 写得好。我唯一希望文章能触及的是波波维奇和米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 之间的关系。波波维奇显然是球队的一笔巨大财富，但我很想知道两人是如何处理这种潜在的微妙动态的。
>
> > [@Jordan S.](#):
> >
> > @Justin F. 是什么让你觉得一个 77 岁、曾因中风而失去执教能力的教练，会想要“削弱”这个他执教了近 30 年、全 NBA 最稳定的组织的现任管理层？！
>
> > [@Dylan M.](#):
> >
> > @Jacob F. 约翰逊是波波维奇亲选的门生。自从多年前他被聘请去奥斯汀执教起，他就一直在波波维奇手下工作，才有了今天的成就。
>
> > [@Robert F.](#):
> >
> > @Jacob F. 我很确定波波维奇和约翰逊之间对于界线在哪里是有默契的！
> > 正如文中所说：
> > 布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) 说：“但我当时心想，‘你在说什么呢？’这家伙是世界上最亲切、最友善的人。他太酷了。”
> > 纪律问题似乎完全由约翰逊处理，波波维奇则负责鼓励、指导和建议（如果约翰逊本人需要，波波维奇很可能也会为他提供建议）！
> [@Michael K.](#):
>
> 伟大的故事。波波维奇是一位伟大的教练，而且看起来他的人格魅力甚至更胜一筹，非常关心身边的人、他的社区和国家。
> [@Gregory S.](#):
>
> 我是湖人球迷，但如果要选一支主队之外的球队，那肯定是马刺。我爱这支球队从上到下的每一个部分。这才是经营球队的正确方式。明年当他们击败我们时，我会感到既痛恨（又钦佩）。
>
> > [@Jim C.](#):
> >
> > @Gregory S. 是的，我是勇士球迷，但自从波波维奇离开勇士教练席去圣安东尼奥接手后，每当勇士出局，马刺就是我支持的球队。
>
> > [@Darcy D.](#):
> >
> > @Gregory S. 作为一个森林狼球迷，我也想加入这个话题。现在正在进行一场伟大的对决，希望未来几年也是如此。能与马刺这样由波波维奇培养出来的顶级组织竞争，会让你感到自豪。干得漂亮，波波！写得好，贾里德 (Jared)。
>
> > [@Edgerton F.](#):
> >
> > @Gregory S. 完全同意。我从小就是开拓者球迷，但忍不住对马刺的文化心生敬意。
> [@Kathy E.](#):
>
> 精彩的文章。正是这种文字让我一直续订。
> [@Dominic S.](#):
>
> 波波维奇也许是胜场数最多的教练，但他的人性光辉甚至超越了这一点。我从未听过有人不被他的内心所打动。我觉得即使是那些场边记者也不会把他的刁难当成针对个人。
> [@Anonymous U.](#):
>
> 我希望波波维奇能实现他的一个隐含目标：取消那些在每节比赛之间播放的愚蠢的教练/球员采访。他对待这些采访就像对待浪费时间一样。在陈旧重复的问题面前，除了陈词滥调什么也听不到。
> [@Devin T.](#):
>
> 他们在圣安东尼奥建立的篮球文化真是令人羡慕。
> [@Terence G.](#):
>
> 作为雷霆球迷，我一直很钦佩波波维奇。他是一个了不起的人。希望他能长命百岁！祝马刺好运。
>
> > [@Curtis R.](#):
> >
> > @Terence G. 我知道我们有望在西决相遇，但普雷斯蒂很久以前是波波维奇提拔的，他在为我们发掘帕克 (Tony Parker) 和吉诺比利等球员方面发挥了重要作用。基于普雷斯蒂的渊源，以及俄克拉荷马城和圣安东尼奥相似的小市场、团结一致的球队氛围，我一直对雷霆的运作方式深表敬意。在 5 月下半月我会把这些话藏在心里，但我希望我们能像当年杜兰特-威斯布鲁克-哈登对阵邓肯-帕克-吉诺比利那样，在接下来的十年里大部分时间都在相互较量。
>
> > [@Terence G.](#):
> >
> > @Curtis R. 同意！相互尊重。
> [@11348807](#):
>
> 波波维奇能成为大师是有原因的。佳作！
> [@Gus S.](#):
>
> 老大 (El Jefe)
> [@10869932](#):
>
> 作为一名近 30 年的马刺球迷，我依然感到惊讶的是，在那段漫长的岁月中，我只看过马刺的三位主教练。而其中绝大部分时间都是波波维奇。团队篮球的理念在这个组织中一直根深蒂固。
> [@Matthew J.](#):
>
> 他是国宝。
>
> > [@10799877](#):
> >
> > @Matthew J. 我也是来这么说的。我爱波波。
> [@FUJR U.](#):
>
> 好文章！很高兴波波维奇依然是马刺成功的重要组成部分。韧性十足！
> [@Dylan M.](#):
>
> 对于我这个有着 40 年球龄的马刺球迷来说，这并不意外！特别高兴听到卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant)（加油，野猫队！）对波波维奇的评价，因为卡特真的很接地气，而且口才很好。超级期待他在这支球队的未来。写得好，谢谢贾里德。
> [@EKKc D.](#):
>
> 真正的老大 (El Jefe Mero Mero) 是国宝。
>
> > [@Anthony F.](#):
> >
> > @Ekkc D. 世上有好人，然后还有波波维奇。他就是黄金标准。
> [@Thomas M.](#):
>
> 在任何层面上，体育教练都关乎教学。任何级别的学生都能在瞬间嗅出虚伪的老师，NBA 球员也能瞬间识破虚伪的教练。例如波波维奇、菲尔·杰克逊 (Phil Jackson)、史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr)、埃里克·斯波尔斯特拉 (Erik Spoelstra)，他们都通过了这种“法眼”。难怪他们都取得了巨大的成功。马刺很幸运，波波维奇依然在身边，能与这群充满活力、令人兴奋的年轻人交流。加油波波！勇士 14 号球迷留。
> [@Collin W.](#):
>
> 波波维奇是个真性情的人。中风显然加速了这一切，但他在整个转型过程中表现出的优雅让我感到无比欣慰。我不是马刺球迷，但是伙计，看到一位传奇在时机成熟时退居幕后，依然如此关心组织、球员和员工，却从不以自我为中心，这真的很棒。给人力量。给波波维奇大大的爱。
> [@Loren M.](#):
>
> 作为一个湖人球迷，哎呀。波波维奇给了我们多年的季后赛回忆和心碎。
> 该死，我爱那家伙。
> [@Sebastian T.](#):
>
> 读完这篇，又读了关于乌杰里 (Ujiri) 去达拉斯的那篇。一个共同点是，人们开始关注那些处于非凡职业生涯和生活关键阶段、且年仅 20 出头的球员的心理状态/健康。这些年来我并不是波波维奇的超级粉丝，但他能接受这个角色并如此努力地帮助年轻人，这真的很酷。
> [@Anna K.](#):
>
> 作为另一支球队的球迷，我一直很钦佩马刺的文化。这一切都始于波波维奇。他是个真正的瑰宝。
> [@Albert B.](#):
>
> 在灰熊来到孟菲斯之前，我首先是马刺球迷。我现在依然是两支球队的粉丝，但马刺是 NBA 最好的故事。他们总能卷土重来。身处同一个赛区很艰难。如果马刺能挺过明尼苏达这一关（顺便说一句，森林狼也是另一个伟大的故事），那么雷霆和圣安东尼奥的对决将非常值得一看。
> [@Sarah H.](#):
>
> 作为一个英国人，我最终成为马刺球迷纯粹是因为英国皇家空军在 2009-2012 年间把我全家派到了圣安东尼奥。天哪，我们真是走运。他是一个多么完美的人，他们是一个多么伟大的组织。
> [@Josh N.](#):
>
> 虽然不是马刺球迷，但我很高兴读到波波维奇依然在幕后做了大量工作，尤其是考虑到他的中风对身体造成了多大的影响。我原以为他“转入”管理层只是一种让他体面退休的花哨方式，但事实显然并非如此。
> [@Gail S.](#):
>
> 精彩的文章。波波维奇会是地球上最后一个为自己传奇篮球生涯写回忆录的人，所以这些关于他如何运作的片段真的非常珍贵。
_由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。_
> **点击查看原文：**
>
> #
>
> > [@J.P. F.](#):
> >
> > Excellent article - pieces like this are why I continue to subscribe.
> >
> > > [@Sean O.](#):
> > >
> > > @J.p. F. Amen. Great read. Plus Pop rules.
> >
> > > [@Larry C.](#):
> > >
> > > @Sean O. Pop’s the best + as Tommy would say “I ❤ Pop! + thanks Pop for Derrick! Clearing out your backcourt turned out pretty well I’d say … glad to hear you’re getting back to it! Thanks Jared for the update on the Spurs’ legendary coach!
> >
> > > [@david X.](#):
> > >
> > > @J.p. F. wishing Pop all the best. Pop is top.
>
> > [@NICHOLAS P.](#):
> >
> > The culture of the Spurs is truly second to one. Having Pop presiding over the team even after he steps back from daily responsibilities — how many other franchises can claim the same continuity? How many other teams have a Hall of Famer like Duncan still involved in their operations and culture? It’s incredible.
> >
> > > [@Larry C.](#):
> > >
> > > @NICHOLAS P. Second to one? Thanks for acknowledging the ☘👍😁
> >
> > > [@Theodore R.](#):
> > >
> > > @Nicholas P. Would it be gauche to point out that the Heat seem to have a very similar coach and player alumni culture model, but are simply way worse at tanking and winning the lottery once or twice a decade?
> >
> > > [@Tuiuan A.](#):
> > >
> > > @Theodore R. One thing that I’m very happy about the lottery reform is that it rewards teams like Miami that seldom tank and try to be aggressive in improving the team even when there’s no clear availability of talent.
> >
> > > [@Denver G.](#):
> > >
> > > @Larry C. Have to disagree. I think SAS org is second to none. Celtics do have a greater history but over the last 20-30 years the Spurs have the best organizations
> >
> > > [@Larry C.](#):
> > >
> > > @Denver G. Fair to disagree… I couldn’t pass up Nicholas typo? 2nd to 1️⃣! And I go back to days of Red + Russell… so got to go ☘. Two great organizations and cultures, and with Celtic’s out, I be rooting for Pop + his Spurs to win it!
> >
> > > [@Terence G.](#):
> > >
> > > @Denver G. Yes. And our own Sam Presti came out of the Spurs organization. OKC fans, who are true OKC fans, appreciate the connection. And, if we should meet in the WCF, I hope OKC beats the Spurs like a drum!
> > > #ThunderUp!
>
> > [@Phil W.](#):
> >
> > What a great piece. It has been so impressive to see Pop, Duncan, Manu, David Robinson and Sean Elliott at every Spur home game this playoffs. What other team in all of sports could say they have a culture like that.
> >
> > > [@bruce C.](#):
> > >
> > > @Phil W. Bruce Bowen too
> >
> > > [@Stephen S.](#):
> > >
> > > @Bruce C. And Antonio Daniels, Danny Green, Fabricio Oberto, George Hill
> >
> > > [@Michael J.](#):
> > >
> > > @Stephen S. Plus Tiago Splitter was at all of the first round games
>
> > [@Jacob F.](#):
> >
> > Great piece. The one thing I wished it had touched on was the relationship between Pop and Johnson. Pop is clearly an incredible asset to the team, but I would be interested to know how the two are negotiating what has the potential to be a difficult dynamic.
> >
> > > [@Jordan S.](#):
> > >
> > > @Justin F. What makes you think the 77 year old who suffered a stroke that took away his ability to coach is looking to “undercut” current management of the most stable organization in the NBA where he coached for almost 30 years?!
> >
> > > [@Dylan M.](#):
> > >
> > > @Jacob F. Johnson is Pop’s chosen protege. He’s been on that bench working under Pop to be what he is right now since they hired him to coach in Austin years ago.
> >
> > > [@Robert F.](#):
> > >
> > > @Jacob F. Pretty sure there has been an understanding between Popowich and Johnson about where the line is drawn!
> > > As stated in the article:
> > > Bryant said. “But I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ This dude is the sweetest, nicest guy. He’s dope.”
> > > Disciplin seems to be purely handled by Johnson, Pop is about encouraging, mentoring and advising (most likely available for Johnson himself also, if wanted!
>
> > [@Michael K.](#):
> >
> > Great story. Pop’s a great coach and always seemed an even better person, very caring of the people around him and his community and country.
>
> > [@Gregory S.](#):
> >
> > I’m a Laker fan but if there is a team on the side it surely is the Spurs. I love that organization top to bottom. That’s how you do it. And I’ll hate (admire) it when they beat us next year.
> >
> > > [@Jim C.](#):
> > >
> > > @Gregory S. Yeah, I’m a Warriors fan but the Spurs are the team I gravitate toward when the W’s are out, ever since Pop left the Warriors bench to take over there.
> >
> > > [@Darcy D.](#):
> > >
> > > @Gregory S. jumping on this theme as a Wolves fan. It’s a great battle going on now, hopefully for years to come, and competing with a class organization like the Spurs, that Pop has developed, makes you feel proud to be a part of. Well done, Pop! Great read, Jared.
> >
> > > [@Edgerton F.](#):
> > >
> > > @Gregory S. Couldn’t agree more. I’m a Blazer fan since childhood but cannot help but respect the culture of the Spurs
>
> > [@Kathy E.](#):
> >
> > Wonderful article. This kind of writing is why I continue to subscribe.
>
> > [@Dominic S.](#):
> >
> > Pop may be the winningnest coach, but his humanity tops even that. I’ve never heard anyone not be touched by his heart. Dont think even those sideline reporters took it personally.
>
> > [@Anonymous U.](#):
> >
> > I wish Pop had succeeded in an implied aim of his: ending those inane coaches/players interviews that are broadcast between quarters of games. He treated them like the waste of time that they are. Nothing but cliches spouted in response to stale and repetitive questions.
>
> > [@Devin T.](#):
> >
> > What an enviable basketball culture they have built in San Antonio
>
> > [@Terence G.](#):
> >
> > As an OKC fan, I’ve always admired Pop. He’s a wonderful human being. I hope he’s around for a long time! Good luck, Spurs.
> >
> > > [@Curtis R.](#):
> > >
> > > @Terence G. I know we’re hopefully on a collision course, but Presti was a Pop hire way back in the day, and he was instrumental to finding guys like Parker and Ginobili for us. Between the Presti connection and the smaller market, one team vibe of OKC and SA, I’ve always had great respect for the way the Thunder have operated. I’ll keep that quiet for the second half of May, but I hope we spend the better part of a decade duking it out like we did when Durant-Westbrook-Harden were battling Duncan-Parker-Ginobili.
> >
> > > [@Terence G.](#):
> > >
> > > @Curtis R. Agree! Respect all around.
>
> > [@11348807](#):
> >
> > Pop’s a master for a reason. Great piece!
>
> > [@Gus S.](#):
> >
> > El Jefe
>
> > [@10869932](#):
> >
> > As a Spurs fan for almost 3 decades, it still amazes me that I’ve only watched 3 coaches for the Spurs in all that time. And most of that has been Pop. The concept of playing as a team has always been strong with that organization.
>
> > [@Matthew J.](#):
> >
> > He’s a national treasure.
> >
> > > [@10799877](#):
> > >
> > > @Matthew J. Came here to say the same. I love Popp.
>
> > [@FUJR U.](#):
> >
> > Great article! Happy Pop is still a big part of the Spurs success. Resilience!
>
> > [@Dylan M.](#):
> >
> > No surprise to this 40-year Spurs fan! Especially awesome to hear what Carter (Bear Down!) has to say about Pop, as Carter is really down-to-earth and eloquent. Super excited for what he’s going to become with this team. Great piece, thanks Jared.
>
> > [@EKKc D.](#):
> >
> > El Jefe Mero Mero is a national treasure
> >
> > > [@Anthony F.](#):
> > >
> > > @Ekkc D. There’s good people and then there’s Popovich. He’s the gold standard.
>
> > [@Thomas M.](#):
> >
> > On any level, coaching sports is about teaching. Students on any level can sniff out phoney terachers in a second and NBA players can sniff out phoney coaches in a sec. Pop, Jackson, Kerr, Spoelstra for example, have all passed the sniff test. No wonder they have all had major success. Spurs are fortunate that Pop is still around to talk to this young and exciting group of Spurs. Go Pop! Warrior#14
>
> > [@Collin W.](#):
> >
> > Pop is a real one. The stroke obviously accelerated all of this, but the grace that he has shown throughout this transition makes me infinitely happy. Not a Spurs fan, but man, it’s just nice to see a legend step aside when it’s time and still care so much about the organization, the players, and the staff without making it about him. Empowering. Much love Pop
>
> > [@Loren M.](#):
> >
> > As a Laker fan, ah man. Pop gave us years of playoff memories and heartaches.
> > Damn, I love that guy.
>
> > [@Sebastian T.](#):
> >
> > Read this article after reading the one about Ujiri going to Dallas. A common thread is the attention paid to the mental outlook/health of players who are at a critical stage of an abnormal career and life and doing so when they are barely in their 20s. Haven’t really been a huge Pop fan over the years, but it is very cool that he is embracing this role and working so hard with the young guys.
>
> > [@Anna K.](#):
> >
> > As a fan of another team, I’ve always admired the Spurs culture. It starts with Pop. He’s a true gem.
>
> > [@Albert B.](#):
> >
> > I was a Spurs fan first–before the Grizz came to Memphis. I’m still a fan of both teams but the Spurs are the best story in the NBA. They just keep coming. It’s hard to be in the same division. OKC and San Antonio will be worth watching if the Spurs can get past Minnesota, who BTW are another great story.
>
> > [@Sarah H.](#):
> >
> > As a Brit, I ended up a Spurs fan purely because the RAF sent my family to San Antonio from 2009-2012. Boy did we luck out. What an absolute gem of a human he is, and what an organisation they are.
>
> > [@Josh N.](#):
> >
> > Not a Spurs fan, but I’m happy to read that Popovich is still doing a lot of work behind the scenes especially with how much his stroke physically impacted him. I thought that him “moving” to the front office was just a fancy way to let him ride into the sunset, but that’s obviously not been the case.
>
> > [@Gail S.](#):
> >
> > Great article. Popovich would be the last person on earth to write a memoir about his legendary career in basketball, so these glimpses in to how he operates are really valuable.
via [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7278122/2026/05/14/gregg-popovich-spurs-coach-nba-playoffs-secret/#comments)
---
### 作者：  [@Reddit](https://chinaspurs.com/u/Reddit)
#### 发布日期： [2026 年5 月 14 日 21:20 UTC](https://chinaspurs.com/t/topic/46410/3 "2026-05-14T21:20:41Z")
# 热评：
> [@boying747](#):
>
> 格雷格·波波维奇如何悄然成为马刺的秘密武器：“他在为你注入生命力”
> [@Original\_Weekend8226](#):
>
> 圣安东尼奥——德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) 迫不及待想听听“老大 (El Jefe)”会说些什么。他坐在球馆东南角的讲台旁，但能看到他的前任教练兼现任导师就在房间的另一端。那是一个满头白发的小脑袋，远看像个小点，拄着长拐杖，带着一丝神秘的微笑。
>
> 25岁的侧翼球员瓦塞尔已成为这支年轻马刺队的老将之一，他是一个总能保持冷静的定海神针。他在球馆里走动时，带着一种射手特有的气场，仿佛知道球每次都能投进。虽然事实并非总是如此，但这并不会改变他的心态。
>
> 当NBA史上胜场最多的教练在为你注入信心时，你很容易会这样想。
>
> 瓦塞尔知道，当他走过去时，格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 会实话实说，给他一些智慧锦囊，让他感觉重新回到了巅峰。
>
> “归根结底，他总会给你反馈，他告诉你的是真话和诚实，”瓦塞尔说道。“这是你需要听到的，因为周围可能会有很多废话。但你需要听到真相，你需要知道发生了什么，他肯定会做到这一点。”
>
> 这是本赛季马刺队所有接受过波波维奇指导的人的共同感受。去年波波维奇从教练岗位退休后，便承担起了这个新角色。现任教练米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 在2024年11月波波维奇中风后临危受命，担任临时主帅。赛季结束后，波波维奇召开新闻发布会，宣布他将不再担任教练，并承担起“El Jefe”（西班牙语，意为“老板”或“老大”）的新角色，他当时还穿着一件印有这个词的衬衫。他的正式头衔是篮球运营总裁，但他的角色似乎专注于为他的继任者约翰逊以及更衣室里的每一个人提供幕后支持和指导。
>
> “他是这一整年非常重要的一部分，”新秀卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) 告诉《The Athletic》。“这太神奇了。并不是每个人都能让史上最伟大的教练就这样坐在你身边。我只是尽可能地汲取他的教诲。”
>
> 20岁的布莱恩特表现出色，在一支挺进季后赛深处的62胜争冠球队中稳坐轮换位置，经常力压2015年NBA总冠军成员哈里森·巴恩斯 (Harrison Barnes) 获得上场机会。布莱恩特从未在波波手下打过球，去年秋天才刚见到他。但他很快就向这位传奇教练寻求资源，而“老大”对他而言不仅于此。
>
> “有时候他在赛后给我打电话太快了，我们还在更衣室里，我甚至没法接，”布莱恩特说。“他几乎每场比赛后都会给我发短信。我大概每周和他通三次电话。”
>
> 马刺如何取得系列赛3-2的领先
> Jared Weiss 和 Jeshua Kidd 报道
>
> 布莱恩特并不孤单。队内一个公开的秘密是，波波维奇整个赛季都在与每位球员建立或维持关系。他每天都会和马刺队效力时间最长的球员凯尔登·约翰逊 (Keldon Johnson) 交流。二年级后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 经常向波波维奇寻求建议，并请他帮助应对赛季中的挑战。无论他们为波波维奇效力了七年还是七天，他都全神贯注地关注着他们。
>
> 赛季期间，波波维奇偶尔会在媒体在场时出现在训练场上，在他曾经执教的场边坐镇。他会坐在那里观察，球员们会一个接一个地走过来汇报情况。他经常把手搭在他们的肩膀上，坐在位子上演示一些战术技巧，有时还会走动，对站在场边的球员或教练说些什么。
>
> 最近，波波维奇开始更多地从幕后走到台前。球员们已经习惯了在圣安东尼奥工作时，随时可能见到波波维奇。马刺队CEO RC·布福德 (RC Buford) 表示，波波维奇每周至少去球馆四次进行中风后的康复训练，蒂姆·邓肯 (Tim Duncan) 或其他马刺传奇球星造访圣城时也经常陪同。
>
> “这就是为什么在波波的中风康复过程中，蒂姆每天都和他一起在球馆里，这并不是因为波波要求他在场，”布福德上个月告诉《The Athletic》。“而是因为蒂姆感受到了一种情感连接，想要像波波曾经支持他那样去支持波波。只要有人在城里，他们就会在那儿。”
>
> 即使当马刺队的飞机降落时，也能感受到波波维奇的存在。本周早些时候，当马刺队球星文班亚马在对阵明尼苏达森林狼队的次轮第四场比赛中因肘击纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 颈部被驱逐后，有人看到波波维奇在球队飞机降落后与文班亚马交谈。
>
> “他出现在那里，也许是想表达一种态度，或者让他的话更有影响力，”文班亚马说。“在我们的系列赛和比赛中，他会定期给我们反馈并与我们交谈。一如既往，当他说话时，所有人都会倾听。”
>
> 但这绝非偶然。整个赛季中，波波维奇曾多次在跑道旁等待。
>
> “我们知道他的车长什么样。所以当我们看到他的车时，我们就知道他在那里，”替补控卫乔丹·麦克劳克林 (Jordan McLaughlin) 说。“很高兴知道他在支持我们，并且一直在关注着我们。”
>
> 约翰逊和他的教练组在日常运营中保持着自主权。这是他们的球队，波波在那里提供支持。波波维奇不时会参加教练组会议，随着年轻的马刺队开启冲冠之路，这种情况变得更加频繁。在次轮系列赛早些时候的一次训练后的录像课中，波波维奇是第一个从录像室附近走出来的人。瓦塞尔说波波维奇在那次录像课上帮了很多忙。
>
> “他就在那儿看录像。他热爱篮球，”麦克劳克林说。“只要有空，他就在身边。”
>
> 格雷格·波波维奇现身马刺训练场
> Jared Weiss 报道
>
> 但他的影响力主要体现在个人层面，帮助瓦塞尔和布莱恩特等球员找到专注点，同时看清大局。
>
> “我认为这是一件大事，尊重比赛，不要把这一切视为理所当然，”瓦塞尔说。“在生活方面，他在场外教了我很多东西，无论是家庭还是回馈社区，他总是把这些放在首位，我为此感激他。”
>
> 波波维奇在教练与球员的沟通渠道中扮演着独特的角色。每位球员都有一名负责其发展的助理教练，负责协调和执行所有的球场训练和录像研究。助理教练负责管理球员的情绪和准备工作，帮助他们应对赛季的挑战。此外还有核心助理教练，如首席助教肖恩·斯威尼 (Sean Sweeney)，他们通常扮演更平衡的角色，协调比赛计划策略，与主教练一起做出大局决策，同时保持与球员的接触。前排助教往往也有他们主要负责的球员，尽管他们的职责分配得更广。
>
> 主教练，比如现在的约翰逊，必须在对球队整体做出所有微观和宏观决策的同时，与阵容中的每个人保持关系。主教练为每位球员设定优先事项。伟大的主教练能够在承担所有这些职责的同时，让球员感觉到彼此依然保持着亲密的关系。
>
> “老大”这个角色让波波维奇能够填补整体流程中的一些空白，从具体的球场指导到提供关于心态的大局观。
>
> “他在为你注入生命力，”布莱恩特说。“很多时候，有些话你需要从不同的人口中听到。当你听到的不是一年82场比赛中那个一成不变的声音时，有时会有豁然开朗的感觉。”
>
> 传奇人物从远处参与球员事务并不罕见。在波士顿，已故的名人堂教练兼球员汤米·海因索恩 (Tommy Heinsohn) 经常在惨败后探头进入更衣室，与凯尔特人的核心球员交谈。一些球队会让前任教练担任高级顾问，不时提供指导。波波维奇似乎正在将“老大”这个角色变成他自己的版本，展示他建立球员关系的标志性能力，同时由于不再负责管理整个体系，他也稍微放松了掌控。
>
> “这很有趣，因为你听说过他对他的人很严厉的故事，显然，他不是我的主教练，所以我没有那种经历，”布莱恩特说。“但我心想，‘你在说什么呢？’这家伙是世界上最贴心、最善良的人。他太酷了。”
>
> 在波波维奇的支持下，布莱恩特表示季后赛对他来说实际上比赛季初期更不让人紧张。为了赢得时间而必须表现的压力产生了他所谓的“不必要的压力”，并夺走了他比赛的乐趣。然后，波波打电话告诉他要放开打，享受乐趣。
>
> “归根结底，当你思考这个问题时，你会感激自己很健康，感激自己能醒来，感激每天的生活中拥有这一切，”布莱恩特说。“篮球就是篮球。”
>
> 现在布莱恩特和这支年轻马刺队的其他成员一样，正放开手脚，享受比赛。马刺本赛季超出了所有人的预期，这在很大程度上要归功于约翰逊和他的团队打出了联盟最佳表现之一。但管理一支球队需要众人的努力，而“老大”一直在尽自己的一份力。
>
> 随着马刺队距离在西部决赛中与俄克拉荷马城雷霆队会师仅差一场胜利，布莱恩特将扮演或大或小的角色。
>
> 无论发生什么，他都得跑回更衣室，因为他知道他的电话会响起来。
> [@crisspanda12](#):
>
> 这就像我是功夫熊猫，他是乌龟大师，米奇是师父，而文班是阿宝。
> [@factcheckauthority](#):
>
> “放开打，享受乐趣”
> 马努向这个男人展示了当你让球员在体系内做自己时是什么样子。
> 这支球队就像是波波一生的缩影。
> 我祈祷文班能和兄弟们一起拿到这个冠军。
> 我知道他们想为他赢下冠军。
_由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。_
> **点击查看原文：**
>
> #
>
> > [@boying747](#):
> >
> > How Gregg Popovich quietly became the Spurs’ secret weapon: ‘He’s speaking life into you’
>
> > [@Original\_Weekend8226](#):
> >
> > SAN ANTONIO — Devin Vassell can’t wait to hear what El Jefe has to say. He’s sitting at a podium in the southeast corner of the gym but can see his former coach and current mentor all the way across the room. A little white head of hair, a dot in the distance, with a long cane and an undercover smile.
> > Vassell, the 25-year-old wing, has become one of the vets of this young Spurs team, a steady hand who always keeps his cool. He walks around the building with the demeanor of a shooter who knows it’s going down every time. It won’t, but that doesn’t change a thing.
> > It’s easy to think that way when he has the NBA’s all-time winningest coach pumping confidence into him.
> > Vassell knows when he goes over there, Gregg Popovich is going to keep it real, give him some nuggets of wisdom and have him feeling back on top of the world.
> > “At the end of the day, he’s always giving you feedback, and he’s telling you the truth and honesty,” Vassell said. “That’s what you need to hear because it’s a lot of BS that might go around. But you need to hear the truth, you need to hear what’s going on, and he’ll do that for sure.”
> > It’s a common theme from everyone on the Spurs who has been mentored by Popovich this season in his new role after he retired from coaching last year. Current coach Mitch Johnson stepped in on an interim basis in November 2024 after Popovich suffered a stroke. After the season, Popovich held a news conference where he announced that he would step away from coaching and take on the new role of “El Jefe” (Spanish for “The Boss”), wearing a shirt that said as much. He is formally listed as the president of basketball operations, but his role appears to be focused on providing behind-the-scenes support and guidance to Johnson, his successor, and everyone in the locker room.
> > “He’s been a big part of this whole year,” rookie Carter Bryant told The Athletic. “It’s been amazing. Not everybody has the greatest coach of all time just kind of sitting there in their laps. I just try to take it up as much as I can.”
> > The 20-year-old Bryant has played well enough to hold down a rotation spot for a 62-win contender deep into the postseason, often earning his spot over Harrison Barnes, an NBA champion in 2015. Bryant never played for Pop and just met him back in the fall. But he quickly sought out the coaching legend as a resource, and El Jefe has been that and more for him.
> > “Sometimes he calls me so fast after the game that we’re still in the locker room and I can’t even answer it,” Bryant said. “He texts me damn near after every game. I probably talk to him on the phone three times a week.”
> > How the Spurs took a 3-2 series lead
> > Jared Weiss and Jeshua Kidd
> > Bryant is not alone. It was an open secret within the team that Popovich was forging or maintaining relationships with each player all season long. He talks to Keldon Johnson, the longest-tenured Spurs player, every day. Second-year guard Steph Castle leans on Popovich often for advice and help navigating the season. Whether they played for Popovich for seven years or seven days, he’s been locked in for them.
> > During the season, Popovich would poke his head out at practice once in a blue moon while the media were present, holding court by what used to be his court. He would sit and observe as players would come over, one by one, for a debriefing. He’d often put his hand on their shoulder, demonstrate some sort of X’s-and-O’s tip from his seat and sometimes walk around to say something to players or coaches standing on the sidelines.
> > Recently, Popovich has started to emerge more from the shadows. The players have come to expect that when they’re in San Antonio, any time they show up to work, Popovich may be there. Spurs CEO RC Buford said Popovich was in the gym at least four times a week rehabbing from his stroke, often with Tim Duncan or other Spurs legends visiting town.
> > “It’s the reason why, with Pop’s stroke rehabilitation, Tim’s in the gym with him every day, and that’s not because Pop is telling him to be there,” Buford told The Athletic last month. “It’s because Tim feels the emotional connection to want to be there in the ways that Pop was there for him. Anytime people are in town, they’ll be in there.”
> > Even when the Spurs land, Popovich’s presence is felt. Earlier this week, Popovich was spotted talking to Victor Wembanyama when the team plane landed after the Spurs’ star was ejected from Game 4 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves for elbowing Naz Reid in the neck.
> > “He maybe wanted to make a statement, or make his talking even more impactful, by being there,” Wembanyama said. “He gives feedback and talks to us regularly throughout our series, throughout our games. As always, when he speaks, everybody listens.”
> > But this was far from a one-off thing. Popovich has been waiting by the runway multiple times throughout the season.
> > “We know what his car looks like. So when we see his car, we know he’s there,” reserve point guard Jordan McLaughlin said. “It’s nice to know he’s in our corner and always watching us.”
> > Johnson and his staff maintain autonomy over the day-to-day operations. It’s their team, and Pop is there for support. Popovich sits in with the coaching staff from time to time, more frequently as the young Spurs embark on a run at the championship. When the Spurs were in a film session following a practice earlier in this second-round series, Popovich was the first person to emerge from the vicinity of the film room. Vassell said Popovich helped out a lot in that film session.
> > “He was just there watching film. He loves basketball,” McLaughlin said. “He’s around anytime he can be.”
> > Gregg Popovich makes an appearance at Spurs practice
> > Jared Weiss
> > But he’s mostly carried out his impact at an individual level, helping players such as Vassell and Bryant find their focus while seeing the bigger picture.
> > “I think that’s one big thing, respecting the game and not taking any of this for granted,” Vassell said. “And just with life, he’s taught me so much stuff off the court, whether it’s family or giving back in the community, he’s always had that at his forefront, and I appreciate him for that.”
> > Popovich plays a distinct role in the coach-to-player communication pipeline. Each player has an assistant coach assigned to him for his development, which includes coordinating and executing all on-court training and film study. The assistants are responsible for managing the players’ emotions and preparedness, helping them navigate the challenges of the season. Then there are the core assistant coaches, such as associate head coach Sean Sweeney, who typically play a more balanced role of coordinating game-plan strategy, making big-picture decisions with the head coach while maintaining touchpoints with the players. Front-bench assistants tend to have players for whom they are the primary coaches as well, though their duties are split more broadly.
> > A head coach, such as Johnson now, must maintain their own relationships with everyone on the roster while making all of the micro and macro decisions about what the team will do as a whole. Head coaches set the tone for priorities for each player. Great head coaches are able to make the players feel as if there is still a close relationship amid all of those responsibilities.
> > The El Jefe role allows Popovich to fill some of the gaps in the overall process, ranging from specific on-court instruction to offering a bigger-picture perspective on mindset.
> > “He’s speaking life into you,” Bryant said. “A lot of times, there’s some things you need to hear from different people. Sometimes it clicks when it’s not the constant voice that you’re hearing for 82 games out of the year.”
> > It is not uncommon for franchise legends to be involved with players from a distance. In Boston, late Hall of Fame coach and player Tommy Heinsohn would poke his head in the locker room to speak with key Celtics players after tough losses. Some teams will have former coaches serve as senior advisers who continue to provide guidance from time to time. Popovich appears to be turning the El Jefe role into his own version of that, displaying his signature ability to forge relationships with players while easing up a bit on the throttle now that he is no longer in charge of managing the whole program.
> > “It’s funny because you hear the stories about him being tough on guys and, obviously, he’s not my head coach, so I don’t kind of get that same experience,” Bryant said. “But I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ This dude is the sweetest, nicest guy. He’s dope.”
> > With Popovich’s support, Bryant said the playoffs have actually been less nerve-wracking for him than the beginning of the season. The need to perform to earn minutes produced what he called “unnecessary pressure,” and it was taking his joy of the game away. Then, Pop called and told him to play free and have fun.
> > “When you think about it at the end of the day, you’re grateful to be healthy, you’re grateful to wake up, you’re grateful to do all these things and have all these things in your life on a daily basis,” Bryant said. “Basketball’s going to be basketball.”
> > Now Bryant, like the rest of this young Spurs team, is playing free and having fun. The Spurs have exceeded every expectation this season, thanks in large part to Johnson and his staff having one of the best performances in the league. But running a team takes a village, and El Jefe has continued to do his part.
> > As the Spurs find themselves one win away from a showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, Bryant will play some role, big or small.
> > Whatever happens, he’ll have to race back to the locker room, because he knows his phone will be ringing.
>
> > [@crisspanda12](#):
> >
> > It’s like I’m kung fu panda, he is the grand master oogway, Mitch is master shifu and wemby is po
>
> > [@factcheckauthority](#):
> >
> > “Play free, have fun”
> > Manu showed this man what it looks like when you let the players be themselves within a system.
> > It’s like this team is the coalescence of pops life.
> > I pray that Wemby gets this chip with the boys.
> > I know they want to do it for him.
via [Reddit/r/NBASpurs](https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/1td3lh4/how_gregg_popovich_quietly_became_the_spurs/)