Open Thread: Paul Pressey was Pop’s first player to assist

Paul Pressey played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1990-1992 after spending his first eight seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. During his two seasons with the Spurs, Larry Brown was Pressey’s head coach. Gregg Popovich was an assistant at the time.

In 1992, Pop left San Antonio (in what best equates to teenage rebellion) and headed to Golden State to serve under Don Nelson. Paul Pressey also went to Oakland at the same time. But this time he also served under Don Nelson as an assistant coach. Due to injuries plaguing the Warriors, Pressey came out of retirement to play. He too got injured and continued on as an assistant.

When Pop came back to San Antonio, he brought along Paul with him. And when the (now) winningest coach in NBA history fired Bob Hill and gave himself the head coaching job, Paul became the first of his former players to serve under him as an assistant.

Pressey stayed with Pop through the year 2000, earning him one NBA Championship as an assistant. He has since served as an assistant for the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2019, Pressey moved to college ball and is currently serving as special assistant to the head coach at St. John’s University.


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