National Basketball Association

Spurs bring CSKA Moscow coach Messina in as assistant

Published Jul. 15, 2014 11:36 p.m. ET

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The NBA's best coach is bringing in one of Europe's very best to add to his staff.

The San Antonio Spurs have hired Ettore Messina to be an assistant under Gregg Popovich. The team announced the hiring on Tuesday.

Messina comes to San Antonio from Russia, where he coached European power CSKA Moscow. He is a two-time Euroleague coach of the year and has also coached in Italy. He served as a coaching consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011-12.

The Spurs have long been at the forefront of the NBA's international movement. Embracing that style of play, and opening their doors to players from overseas, has been one of the biggest reasons for the team's sustained success.

Popovich says he's ''honored'' to have Messina join his staff.