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After a series of successful tenures and the resignation of coach Bob Hill, Popovich seized the moment in 1996 to become the head coach of the Spurs. Initially met with skepticism—he had no real qualifications or prior experience—Popovich soon earned respect from players by setting high standards and developing a culture of accountability.
Establishing a Winning Culture
One of Popovich's early challenges was to turn around a struggling Spurs team that had suffered from injuries and poor performance. Despite winning only 20 games in his first season as head coach, his presence began to lay the groundwork for future success. The turning point came with the acquisition of that year's top draft pick, Tim Duncan, a move that would change the franchise's fortunes forever.