Popovich 'Despised' One Spurs Player

Gregg Popovich is the greatest coach in NBA history. He has more wins than anyone else and has guided the San Antonio Spurs to five championships. However, some players have been the thorn in his side throughout his career. One of those players, Chris Paul, joined the Spurs in free agency this summer.

Paul has played against Popovich and the Spurs 81 times and has amassed a winning 41-40 record. Paul is a well-known nuisance, pest, and instigator. While his passing has made him one of the greatest point guards of all time, he is also a stellar and often physical, defender who gets under the skin of his opponents.

Paul and Popovich have buried the hatchet and are excited to get to work, but that doesn't mean that memories of fierce competition have died out.

"I've despised [Paul] for many years. It was difficult to play against him because he's a clever, clever, clever player," said Popovich. "You hate to play against him but you respect the hell out of him."

Against the Spurs, Paul averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals. He also made 37.5 percent of his shots from three, and his outside shooting will be a must if the Spurs are to have success this season.

Paul is one of the greatest mentors in NBA history and has improved the careers of Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others. In large part due to his leadership during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, both teams have Finals aspirations built on the shoulders of young guards who took advantage of their time with Paul.

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In San Antonio, there is hope that Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama can make the most of their season playing next to The Point God.