Spurs coach Popovich set to ‘force his way’ into LeBron recruitment

MANILA, Philippines – Come October this year, we may just see LeBron James take his talents to the Texas Triangle.

 And no, it’s not in Houston like everyone is talking about. No, don’t even think about Dallas.

 According to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, living legend head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs is set to lure the first-ballot Hall of Fame superstar across the Alamo and into the AT&T Center.

“I’ve also been advised that the ever-persuasive San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is bound to try to force his way into the conversation to sell James on the merits of South Texas,” Stein said in his post-NBA Finals report for the Times.

ESPN’s resident loudmouth analyst Stephen A. Smith also said that Houston, Los Angeles (Lakers), Miami and a return to Cleveland are the most likely destinations for the 4-time MVP.

 While a trip to San Antonio seems unlikely as of today given that James has not dropped any hints to his future, it’s worth noting that the 15-year veteran has always respected Popovich, especially after their two-year Finals war back in 2013-2014, when the Spurs and the James-led Miami Heat each got a title in consecutive years. 

The biggest question mark that remains, however, is Kawhi Leonard’s commitment to the team. Leonard, a former Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, has been largely absent from the team during his mysteriously long rehab of a quad contusion from last year’s playoffs. 

If the Spurs work their issues out, James is looking at a new superteam in the making with a legitimate, prime-age superstar in Leonard and the newly-minted All-NBA Second Teamer LaMarcus Aldridge. They just need to trade away some bloated-contract players like the aging Pau Gasol and Danny Green to make room for James’ money, especially since they’re reportedly planning to re-sign Leonard to a super-max deal north of $200 million.

Most importantly, James would finally be under the tutelage of a coaching great like the multi-titled Popovich. In 15 years, the only coach he ever had who was Coach of the Year was Mike Brown (2009) back in his first Cleveland stint. Erik Spoelstra later joined the top coach conversation, but that was after James left Miami in 2014.

It’s unlikely, but it’s not impossible. If the stars align in San Antonio, Golden State’s budding dynasty will certainly be placed on high alert. – Rappler.com