Only 50 players have ever scored 20,000 points in an NBA career; DeMar DeRozan is one of them. He achieved that landmark when he played the San Antonio Spurs, his previous squad. Although there were some differences between the two teams, Gregg Popovich‘s coaching helped him learn a lot that helped him become a better passer and team player.
It is common knowledge that Coach Pop embodies the epitome of a class act, always being there for those in need. That was the situation when DeRozan learned of his father’s passing a few years ago. DeMar told the tale during a recent appearance on “the 25/10 Show,” which was hosted by LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson.
After learning of his father’s passing, DeRozan called Spurs general manager Brian Wright to inform him that he was booking a flight home. DeRozan also stated that Popovich had arrived at his door 90 seconds later. DeRozan claimed that for around two hours, he and Popovich sobbed together as the coach said:
“I’m not leaving until you leave.”
Coach. Athlete. Relationship.
How Gregg Popovich responded when he found out DeMar DeRozan’s father had passed away:
“He stayed with me and cried for two hours. He said I’m not leaving until you leave.” pic.twitter.com/NxmuyAtPyK
— Cody Royle (@codyroyle) July 3, 2024
Gregg Popovich and his class for DeMar DeRozan
Although Gregg Popovich has always shown humility and compassion, these qualities have always been present for everyone in the league. This was seen once again when DeMar DeRozan was in Chicago when he achieved the aforementioned milestone.
After achieving the desired number and joining one of the most exclusive clubs in history, DeRozan went in search of his coach at the Spurs to offer his congratulations and offer a moment of tribute. Pop played a significant role in DeMar’s development as a player, and his time at the Spurs also helped him land a fantastic contract worth more than $80 million with Chicago.
Additionally, as if his impeccable behavior weren’t already well-known, Pop explicitly requested a timeout in 2020 when the forward achieved the record amount. DeMar enjoyed the best season of his career in 2020–21 before moving to Chicago, where he set personal records in assists averages, steals, and eFG% and developed into more than simply an isolation scorer. These years in San Antonio saw DeMar return to the All-Star scene.
Pop called a timeout to celebrate DeMar reaching 20k points
Respect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/CLMLc0OED7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 29, 2022
