The Spurs coach has been selected by the league to guide the Western Conference team, the Spurs announced.
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“Well, everybody looks forward to the All-Star break for a variety of reasons,” Popovich told reporters Wednesday, via ESPN.com. “But in my case, it’s a pretty awesome feeling to know that you’re going to be in the locker room with some of the best athletes in the world, and it’s pretty humbling. So it’s kind of cool.”
The All-Star Game is usually reserved for the coach with the best record in each conference. In the West, that would be Golden State’s Steve Kerr, whose Warriors improved to 41-4 after defeating the Spurs on Sunday. But Kerr was ineligible, as he coached the showcase last season. Popovich’s Spurs have the conference’s second-best record at 38-7.
Warriors associate coach Luke Walton filled in for Kerr on an interim basis while Kerr was recovering from back surgery, but Kerr received credit for the team’s victories and thus made Walton ineligible.
“Would’ve, should’ve, would’ve,” Popovich said after being asked whether Walton should have been named the West’s coach. “I don’t do should’ve-would’ve.”
Newly promoted Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue will coach the Eastern Conference All-Stars. Cleveland has a 31-12 record.
