Gregg Popovich jokes new Spurs assistant Tim Duncan 'doesn’t know a lick about coaching'

Blake Birt

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Gregg Popovich jokes new Spurs assistant Tim Duncan 'doesn’t know a lick about coaching' image

Gregg Popovich hired Tim Duncan as an assistant coach with the Spurs, but that doesn't mean he'll stop roasting his former franchise star.

Popovich dropped a typically sarcastic line about Duncan's coaching expertise (or lack thereof), per Marc Stein of the New York Times.

“Tim Duncan doesn’t know a lick about coaching," said Popovich. "I don’t even know why I hired him.”

Unless Popovich is second-guessing his hire, we can safely assume this is another example of his famously dry wit.

When the Duncan hire was first announced in July, Popovich provided the first clue that he would keep ribbing Duncan.

"It is only fitting, that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan's assistant, that he returns the favor."

Warriors head coach and USA Basketball assistant Steve Kerr isn't worried about Duncan's job security.  

“He’s already told the rest of the staff that he’s the only one who’s not fireable. He’s right. Pop can’t fire Tim Duncan," said Kerr, per Ben Golliver.

"He probably won’t do anything, just sit on the bench and sip tea.”

The Duncan-Popovich partnership powered the Spurs to incredible heights when Duncan was playing. The first pick of the 1997 draft, Duncan went on to win five titles, two MVP awards, and 15 All-NBA nods.

If Duncan's success translates to the coaching bench, the Spurs could continue to be one of the NBA's premier teams for years to come.

Blake Birt

Blake Birt is a digital content producer for DAZN News. He has worked in media communications the past five years, including as a social media manager, writer and editor. He is located in Sydney, Australia.