Popovich made the right call

Coach's decision promotes team building, player development

Updated: November 30, 2012, 6:37 PM ET

By David Thorpe | ESPN Insider

Just before tipoff of last night's game in Miami, I received a text message from a veteran player asking me whether I agreed with what "Pop" was doing. At that time, I was in a meeting and had no clue what he was referring to.

The player responded by saying San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was sitting his four highest scorers and trotting out bench reserves to start the game.

My text back was simple: "If Pop is doing that, the rest of the league should be taking notes."

Second-guessing Popovich on anything basketball-related is like making business suggestions to Bill Gates on what he should do to build his company. It is fair for us to assume that "Pop" made the right decision to sit his key players against the Heat. Let's explore why it was the right decision.

To read more on why David Thorpe says Gregg Popovich made the right call in resting his starters, become an Insider today.