“Tim Duncan doesn’t know a lick about coaching.”
Team USA’s first day training camp ahead the 2019 FIBA World Cup kicked f on Monday in Las Vegas, as a number young NBA stars got back on the court in preparation for the tournament taking place in China.
Head coach Gregg Popovich will be running the show, and he’ll have some assistance from Steve Kerr, Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce and Villanova University head coach Jay Wright. During Monday’s session, Popovich and Kerr spoke with the media about a number topics, including the San Antonio Spurs’ recent hiring future Hall Famer Tim Duncan. Both were ready to fire f some jokes.
Says Pop:
“Tim Duncan doesn’t know a lick about coaching. I don’t even know why I hired him. He’s given me a paycheck for 19 years so I was kind obliged to pay him back.”
Kerr quipped:
“He’s already told the rest the staff that he’s the only one who’s not fireable. He’s right. Pop can’t fire Tim Duncan. He probably won’t do anything, just sit on the bench and sip tea.”
The Spurs signed the five-time NBA champion to an assistant coaching position on Popovich’s staff last month. At the time, Pop released a brief statement: “It is only fitting, that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that he returns the favor.”
Team USA’s training camp will run from August 5 thru August 9. The 2019 FIBA World Cup is scheduled to tip f on August 31, with the championship game taking place on September 15.