Erin Popovich, wife of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67.
On Thursday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, a friend of both Gregg and Erin for many years, reflected on the news, and told a funny story about being traded by Popovich in 2001.
“Knew her well. She was close with my wife (Margot) when I played here,” Kerr said. “Erin was sort of the balance that Pop needed. I still remember when he traded me to Portland in 2001, he called me up to tell me the news, he said: ‘I don’t think I can go home, because Erin is gonna be so mad at me for trading you.’
“Margot and Erin were close and stayed in touch over the years. She was part of the family, but she’s dealt with a lot over the last few years health-wise and has been very courageous.”
Steve Kerr reflects on the passing of Erin Popovich, tells of how when Pop traded Kerr to Portland back in the day, he told him Erin would be mad at him for doing it pic.twitter.com/iYAt1xaQCV
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 19, 2018
Popovich will not coach the Spurs during Game 3 on Thursday. Ettore Messina, a Spurs assistant since 2014, will coach the team.