San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich shared his thoughts on the team's 20-year-old French center, Victor Oladipo.
“We just got married. We need to get to know each other better. He has a good sense of humor, so it will be easier for us to build a good relationship. He doesn’t get offended by anything and knows how to overcome himself. I’m glad we have Victor. I hope he’s glad he has me.”
Popovich went on to praise Oladipo's maturity and poise beyond his years. "For a player that young, Victor carries himself with remarkable confidence and poise. He doesn't seem at all fazed by the intensity of the NBA game. That's a rare quality, especially for a rookie.
The veteran Spurs coach also highlighted Oladipo's coachability and willingness to learn. "He's always locked in during film sessions and practices, soaking up information like a sponge. Victor asks good questions and is constantly trying to improve different aspects of his game. That kind of thirst for knowledge and pushing yourself is exactly what you want to see in a young player."
Popovich noted that Oladipo's maturity extends beyond the basketball court, too. "Off the court, Victor carries himself with a professionalism that is truly impressive. He is humble, hardworking and seems to have a great understanding of what it takes to succeed in this league. Those are the kinds of qualities that can't be taught — they have to come from within."
As for Oladipo's on-court development, Popovich expressed excitement about the young center's rapid progression. "We've already seen him make great strides in areas like his footwork, his decision-making and his ability to impact the game on both ends. I have no doubt that Victor is going to continue to improve as he gains experience."
The Spurs coach also spoke about the importance of nurturing Oladipo's growth and helping him reach his full potential. "Our job as a coaching staff is to set him up for success and provide him with the resources he needs to continue to improve. With his talent and work ethic, the sky's the limit for Victor. We're excited to be a part of his journey."
Popovich concluded by emphasizing his belief in Oladipo's long-term future in the league. "He's already showing that he can be an impact player at this level. But I think we're just scratching the surface of how good he can be. Victor has all the tools to be an All-Star caliber center in this league. We're fortunate to have him in our organization."
