Looking back at Pop’s opposing head coaches- The Pistons edition

The enduring coaching career of Gregg Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, spanning an impressive twenty-eight years. During this extended tenure, Popovich has encountered a staggering 307 different NBA coaches.

Since the departure of Bob Hill in 1996, Popovich has been a constant figure on the Spurs' sideline, with the occasional exception of an ejection. On the current agenda is a matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

                                                                                

Popovich's coaching history against the formidable Detroit squad dates back to Doug Collins' tenure from 1995 to 1998. Collins was dismissed in his third year, making way for his assistant, Alvin Gentry.

Gentry, initially launching his NBA coaching career as a Spurs assistant, completed the 1998 season and guided the Pistons to a 29-21 record in the abbreviated 1999 lockout season. Despite commencing the centennial campaign, Gentry was replaced by George Irvine late in the season.

Irvine remained at the helm for the 2000-2001 season, but the team's 32-50 record effectively marked the end of his coaching career in Detroit.

From 2001 to 2003, Rick Carlisle assumed coaching duties for the Pistons, achieving back-to-back 50-32 seasons, securing Central Division titles, and clinching playoff berths. Carlisle was also honored as the 2002 NBA Coach of the Year.

Post-Carlisle era, Popovich's mentor, Larry Brown, took charge. Brown delivered consecutive 54-28 seasons, featuring appearances in the NBA Finals. In 2004, the Pistons triumphed over an All-Star-laden Lakers team, and in 2005, Popovich faced off against his mentor in a seven-game NBA Finals series, ultimately securing victory for the Spurs.

Following these Finals appearances, Brown contemplated a change of teams. Consequently, the Pistons bought out his contract, and Flip Saunders assumed coaching responsibilities. Saunders held the position for three seasons, providing the most sustained coaching consistency Popovich had faced from an opposing coach

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Pop Vs Pistons Coaches Spurs Legacy Popovich Era NBA Head Coaches Basketball Legends Coaching Journey Pistons Encounters Sports History Popovich Opponents Spurs Vs Pistons NBA Alumni Coaching Legends Popovich Chronicles NBA Highlights Basketball Memories