In early 2017, I had a rare and “buttoned-up” dialogue with Gregg Popovich for Scoop B Radio. While the world was focused on the San Antonio Spurs’ pursuit of another title, Popovich used our session to deliver a profound critique of how we perceive authority and excellence in the United States. His central thesis was a warning: as a society, we tend to mythologize people, often ignoring the “feet of clay” that make every leader human.
Reflecting on this in December 2025—with the Spurs entering a new era of dominance led by Victor Wembanyama—Popovich’s philosophy on leadership remains the bedrock of the most successful culture in professional sports.
“I Try Not to Idolize Too Many People”
Popovich, a U.S. Air Force veteran with a deep background in Soviet Studies, spoke with a historical perspective that most coaches lack. He argued that the American tendency to turn leaders into infallible icons is dangerous because it masks their flaws and discourages personal accountability.
“I think that all idols have feet of clay and I think that especially in our country, we tend to mythologize people,” Popovich told me in 2017. “So I look to people that I’ve known personally, whether that’s a coach or teacher, a relative; somebody that I respect because I know them. But people who I don’t know that have been mythologized, I don’t know them much.”
The “Feet of Clay” of Historical Giants
Popovich used a striking example to illustrate his point. He didn’t just look at modern politicians; he looked at the founding fathers.
- The Example: He noted that while Thomas Jefferson is celebrated as a “great guy” and a genius of democracy, he was also a slave owner.
- The Lesson: You can respect someone’s achievements without ignoring their contradictions.
- The Spurs Way: In San Antonio, Popovich applies this by holding everyone—from Tim Duncan to the 15th man—to the same standard of truth. No one is “mythologized” above the system.
The Role of Personal Knowledge
For Popovich, leadership isn’t about the legend; it’s about the relationship. He prioritizes the people he has worked with over the icons he has read about.
| Leadership Source | Why Popovich Values It |
| Personal Mentors | You’ve seen their struggles and successes firsthand. |
| Family/Relatives | Based on shared values and long-term trust. |
| Teachers | Rooted in the development of the mind and character. |
| “Mythologized” Figures | Viewed with skepticism because their flaws are often hidden. |
2025 Retrospective: The Legacy of Integrity
As of late 2025, Gregg Popovich has become the “stonecutter” he famously quotes in the Spurs locker room. By refusing to mythologize himself or his players, he has built a culture that can survive any roster transition. Whether he is critiquing national leadership or coaching up a rookie, the foundation is the same: honesty over imagery.
As Popovich said to me:
“They all have flaws. So I go for people that I know.”
In 2025, that “buttoned-up” commitment to reality is why the Spurs remain the “Gold Standard.” While other teams chase myths, Popovich and the Spurs continue to build on the truth.
