the Detroit Pistons of the Popovich era! A franchise teeming with talent, grit, and a healthy dose of “Pop’s Popovicisms.” But every great coach needs worthy adversaries, and Gregg Popovich’s tenure with the Spurs saw him clash with some of the best minds in the NBA, including a fair share of memorable opponents on the Detroit Pistons’ sideline.
Since the firing of Bob Hill in 1996, Pop has consistently coached the Spurs, give or take an ejection or two. Tonight the Spurs play the Detroit Pistons.
Pop’s history of coaching against the mighty Motor City begins with Doug Collins (1995-1998). In his third year as head coach in Detroit, he was fired and replaced by his assistant Alvin Gentry.
Gentry, who kicked off his NBA coaching career as an assistant in San Antonio, finished off the 1998 season and led the Pistons to a 29-21 record in the shortened 1999 lockout season. He started the centennial campaign, but was replaced by George Irvine late in the season.
Irvine stayed on for the 2000-2001 season, but the 32-50 record essentially ended his career.
From 2001-2003, the Pistons employed Rick Carlisle who had back-to-back 50-32 seasons, including Central Division titles and playoff appearances. Additionally, Carlisle was named the 2002 NBA Coach of the Year.
Following Carlisle’s departure, Pop’s mentor Larry Brown stepped in. Brown racked up back-to-back 54-28 seasons with Finals appearances to boot. In 2004, the Pistons defeated an All-Star stacked Laker squad. The following year, Pop faced off against his mentor in the 2005 NBA Finals.The Spurs took the series, but only after utilizing all seven games.
After the two Finals appearances, Brown flirted with changing teams. As a result, the Pistons bought him out and hired Flip Saunders. Saunders stayed three seasons, which up until now, was the most consistency Pop saw from an opposing coach in Detroit.