It’s time for the Spurs to start over without Gregg Popovich

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during game against the Magic

Nov 15, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs have not been relevant in the NBA title conversation since winning 61 games back in 2016-17. Since then, they have been disposed of in the first round of the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. Now on a downward spiral without a clear direction to move forward, it’s time for San Antonio to start over with a rebuild that does not include one Gregg Popovich.

The big picture: This is not about Pop and the success he’s had. It’s not about the Association somehow moving on from his old-school ways. Instead, it’s all about the Spurs finding a new model and a new philosophy moving forward.

Let us explain.

San Antonio heads into this week’s action with a 5-8 record. It ranks 23rd in the NBA in scoring defense and 24th in defensive rating. This is not how Popovich built his five championship teams with the Spurs.

We’re not attempting to overreact to a slow start to one season. Instead, it’s all about looking to the future in San Antonio. And it’s bleak right now.

Western Conference: Even if the Spurs were to grab a bottom-two playoff spot out west, they are looking at yet another early postseason exit.

The roster dynamic: As currently formed, there’s very little upside on San Antonio’s roster. At the very least, not enough upside for this team to be a contender.

Blowing it up: With all of that said, the Spurs have enough proven veteran pieces to start anew with a rebuild.

Pop’s age and the Spurs’ coaching dynamic: San Antonio would not have to look outside of the organization to find a replacement.

That leads us to our final point: Would San Antonio be forced to keep up with this charade that includes a faux hope of contention to pacify Popovich?

It sounds harsh. But this is the professional sports world.

The bottom line: The Spurs are 5-8 on the season. They are going nowhere fast. It’s quickly becoming a bad fit with Popovich. Move on with someone like Hammon and potentially let Pop finish out his career coaching a contender or ride off into the sunset.

It really would be the best of both worlds.

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