SAN ANTONIO – Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he looks forward to sideline reporter Craig Sager's return and "I promise I'll be nice."
TNT's Sager is missing the NBA playoffs as he undergoes treatment for leukemia. So his son, Craig Sager Jr., filled in for Sunday's broadcast of San Antonio's playoff opener against Dallas, asking Popovich a few questions before the fourth quarter.
Popovich is famous for his terse answers to in-game questions from Sager and other sideline reporters. This time, he was verbose by his standards in discussing the Spurs' play.
He told the younger Sager, "You did a great job, but I'd rather have your dad standing here."
Popovich then shared this message for his father: "We miss you. You've been an important part of all of us for a long time, doing a great job."
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.