People joke about how San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich should run for president of the United States in 2020. But Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, a Popovich disciple, and two-time league MVP Stephen Curry aren’t kidding: They would vote for him if given the chance.
From ESPN.com’s Tim MacMahon:
“I truly would vote for Pop. He would make a great president,” Kerr said Wednesday. “All jokes aside. I would vote for him.” …
“Honesty and integrity,” Kerr said of Popovich. “Those would be two really key components for any person that wants to become president. Honesty and integrity would be fantastic to see. He would provide that.” …
Warriors star Stephen Curry agreed with Kerr about a Popovich candidacy, saying, “He’s great for the NBA and would be even better for the country, probably.”
Kerr is almost obligated to say nice things about Popovich. Not only did he win two of his five NBA championships while with the Spurs, but he’s so often named on the same ballot. Popovich-Kerr 2020, or whatever.
Curry is a little bit different. He doesn’t have a horse in their race, so to speak. He can speak a bit more candidly, provided he isn’t afraid of Pop or anything. (And who could blame him if he is.)
Two answers from people affiliated with the Warriors aren’t necessarily a referendum on what the rest of the league thinks. Poll every player and coach, though, and I have a feeling Popovich would have a 95 to 99 percent approval rating. He’s been super outspoken against the Trump administration and, aside from that, has been around the league long enough to gain the respect of just about everyone in it, both newcomers and incumbents alike.
So, in other words, get your “Popovich for Prez” buttons, bumper stickers and other memorabilia now.
