“There Are No World Champions In the NBA”: HOF Coach Gregg Popovich’s Take From 2010 Resurfaces Amid NBA Stars vs Noah Lyles Debate

Utathya Ghosh | 29/08/2023
"There Are No World Champions In the NBA": HOF Coach Gregg Popovich's Take From 2010 Resurfaces Amid NBA Stars vs Noah Lyles Debate

A recent statement by track and field star Noah Lyles has ignited a fiery debate within the NBA community. His comments have thrown the NBA community into discussion, with coaches, players, and even fringe entities giving their take. However, as discussions around his comments increase, an old quote from esteemed Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich has resurfaced on Twitter. It sheds light on a similar sentiment from over a decade ago, in 2010. 

In a media appearance, Lyles claimed that NBA champions could not rightfully claim the title of “world champions.” He argued that since the NBA is an American competition, its winners should not carry the title of global champions. And it seems he is not the only one to raise this. 

Gregg Popovich’s 2010 quote echoes Noah Lyles’ perspective

Interestingly, Lyles’ stance isn’t a new phenomenon at all. In 2010, Gregg Popovich, the highly regarded coach of the San Antonio Spurs and a member of the Hall of Fame, made a similar observation. 

Back then, Popovich stated:

 “There are no world champions in the NBA, so anybody that has the flag up that says world champions is not correct.” He continued, “The world champions, I believe, are the Spanish team right now. USA is the Olympic champion. The Lakers are the NBA champion.” 

Popovich’s viewpoint, expressed over a decade ago, shares a resemblance to those of Lyles. Despite what seemed like opinions born out of logic and reasoning, some extended members of the NBA community disagreed with Lyles, even going as far as to publicly demean his statements. Even celebrities from outside the NBA, as well, have condemned Lyles’ take. 

Drake dissed Lyles for his comments

Among these people is music icon Drake, known for his affiliation with the Toronto Raptors. Drake dissed Lyles on social media, commenting: 

“He thought this speech was gonna be so hard in the mirror the night before… now the whole league doesn’t rate u.”

As the NBA community grapples with Noah Lyles’ assertion that NBA champions are not world champions, Gregg Popovich’s 2010 quote strikingly echoed Lyles’ perspective. However, criticism from certain people, such as Drake, has added drama to the debate. What seemed like a logical statement by the track and field star has now turned into a full-blown war on social media. And as with all NBA debates, it’s unlikely to end anytime soon. 

Post Edited By: Hitesh Nigam
Gregg Popovich Noah Lyles

About the author

Utathya Ghosh

I'm Utathya, the resident basketball wordsmith and editor extraordinaire at The SportsRush's NBA section. When it comes to writing about the NBA, I've got the authority of a referee with a whistle and the flair of a player with a killer crossover. My love affair with the NBA has been going strong for a solid 8+ years, and trust me, it's been a wild ride. From buzzer-beating shots to mind-boggling dunks, I've witnessed it all. And through it all, one player has captured my heart and handles like no other: Kyrie Irving. That man's got moves that make me question the laws of physics. But enough about my favorite player. Let's talk about my natural talent for writing. They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but when it comes to basketball, my words are like three-point bombs that leave you in awe. I've got a knack for capturing the intensity of the game, the drama of the locker room, and the passion of the fans, all while keeping it entertaining and relatable. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting your feet wet in the world of basketball, join me on this court of words as we dive into the thrilling world of the NBA. From epic comebacks to mind-blowing trades, I've got the inside scoop and the witty commentary to keep you hooked. Get ready for a slam dunk of articles that'll have you shouting "swish" with every read!

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