I don’t study much, I learned that from Jerry Sloan. – San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich
SAN ANTONIO — When asked Tuesday if he’s seen improvement from Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he didn’t know because he doesn’t watch much film, something he learned from former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.
“I don’t study much, I learned that from Jerry Sloan,” he said. “I asked him one time, ‘How much film do you watch?’ and he said, ‘None.’ I said ‘What do you mean?’ and he said, ‘That’s what my assistants do.’ I took that philosophy from that day on. You’re much better worrying about what you do (than the opponent).”
Later, when asked if he’d read a certain article about a basketball player, Popovich replied, “You think I read much of that stuff? I read nothing about sports — it’s boring.”
JAZZ NOTES: The Jazz returned home after the game and will play Dallas Wednesday night at Vivint Arena. The 0-3 Mavericks were one of seven winless teams going into Tuesday night games. … The Jazz and Spurs will meet again Friday night in Salt Lake. … George Hill, who played three years for the Spurs at the start of his NBA career, got a loud ovation from the crowd when he was introduced as a Utah starter. Also, ex-Spur Boris Diaw got a big cheer when he was shown on the big screen, wearing a natty red suit (Diaw sat out game because of leg contusion) … The Jazz will celebrate Veterans Day on and off the court through the NBA’s “Hoops for Troops” Week. On Thursday, the Jazz will host a “Commitment to Service” project and on Friday, the team will host “Military Appreciation Night” during the Jazz-Spurs game at Vivint Arena.