San Antonio Spurs

Messina is reportedly 'a lock as future coach' of Spurs

Published Jun. 14, 2015 7:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Antonio Spurs lost one of their assistant coaches over the weekend, when Jim Boylen accepted an offer from the Chicago Bulls that was apparently too good to pass up.

But aside from the altered title and slight promotion (Boylen went from Gregg Popovich's second assistant to Fred Hoibger's right-hand man), why did he leave an organization widely regarded as the NBA's best?

Apparently, it was because Boylen knew he wouldn't succeed Pop once San Antonio's current head coach retires.

Ettore Messina is reportedly who will eventually fill Popovich's shoes. The 55-year-old Italian has incredible success in the Euroleague, but only one year under his belt on an NBA sideline. Still, this makes a ton of sense, and a lot can change between now and whenever Popovich chooses to step away.

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