One of the NBA's most serious, no-nonsense coaches for one of the league's best teams is thrilled to be a part of All-Star Weekend.
Greg Popovich, coach of the 37-11 Southwest Division leading San Antonio Spurs, was named as the head coach of the Western Conference when the 2013 NBA All-Star Game comes to Houston Feb. 17.
The honor goes to the coach whose team has the highest winning record percentage, and with the Spurs maintaining a league-best .771, Popovich will be named to his third All-Star Game coaching appearance in 17 years.
Popovich, who led the Spurs to four championships during his tenure, coached the 2005 and 2011 West All-Stars.
The closest competition Popovich has for the best record in the west is the reigning Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder's head coach Scott Brooks. However, as per league rules, Brooks will not be eligible this year, as he coached the West at last year's All-Star Game.
Popovich is respected, but also has a reputation for being serious, hard-nosed and at times, controversial, as he made headlines in December when he opted to sit his team's star players Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parket during a nationally televised game against the NBA champion Miami Heat.
League commissioner David Stern subsequently fined the Spurs $250,000 for violation of league rules.
However, despite his seemingly gruff nature, Popovich said he was thrilled to be a part of the All-Star Game.
"It will be just like it has been in the past: a heck of an opportunity to enjoy amazing talent," Popovich said. "That's not just a B.S. or trite statement. It's true. When you're around those guys, you look around the room and you can't believe you're in the same room with them. It's a huge honor just to be a part of it."
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