Dejounte Murray has never been shy about expressing gratitude for the people who’ve helped shape his journey, and at the top of that list is legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. In a recent interview, Murray opened up about his formative years under Popovich’s leadership, offering heartfelt reflections on the time they spent together and the lessons that continue to guide him today.
“Pop believed in me when a lot of people didn’t,” Murray said. “He saw something in me as a young kid coming out of Seattle, and he took the time to help me grow—not just as a basketball player, but as a man.” Drafted by the Spurs in 2016 with the 29th overall pick, Murray entered the league as a raw but talented guard with a chip on his shoulder. Under Popovich’s mentorship, he matured both on and off the court, eventually becoming an All-Star and one of the NBA’s best defensive guards.
Murray recalls the early days of his career as both challenging and rewarding. “Pop was tough on me, but it came from a place of love,” he said. “He held me accountable every single day. There were times I didn’t understand it, but looking back now, I realize he was preparing me for everything—life, pressure, leadership, all of it.”
One of the things Murray appreciated most about Popovich was his consistency. “Whether we won or lost, whether I had a good game or a bad one, Pop was the same. He was always focused on the bigger picture. He didn’t let me get too high or too low, and that’s something I carry with me today.”
Popovich, who has coached some of the NBA’s greatest talents and led the Spurs to five championships, took a special interest in Murray’s development. “He’s one of the realest coaches you’ll ever meet,” Murray shared. “He talks to you about family, about being a good person, about giving back. That stuff matters. That’s why so many of us who’ve played for him still look at him as a father figure.”
Even after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, Murray has remained vocal about his respect for Popovich. “When I got traded, Pop was one of the first people to call me. He told me he was proud of me and that I was ready for the next chapter. That meant everything.”
Reflecting on his years in San Antonio, Murray speaks with both fondness and deep respect. “Pop changed my life. I owe so much of who I am today to the culture he built and the way he coached me. I’ll always be thankful for that.”
In a league where player-coach relationships can often be transactional, the bond between Dejounte Murray and Gregg Popovich stands out as something deeper—genuine, lasting, and built on mutual trust. ❤️
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