SAN ANTONIO -- Gregg Popovich arrived at Tim Duncan’s jersey retirement ceremony well prepared. In his suit coat pocket were several tissues, folded neatly, just in case.
The San Antonio Spurs coach nearly needed them when he expressed 20 years’ worth of gratitude for what he understands was the singular trait that made Duncan one of the greatest leaders in the history of basketball.
Popovich coaches hard, from the top of the roster to the bottom. And it helps to have a certain kind of team leader when you demand perfection, often at full volume.