Aussie’s top gig at Spurs
THE Aussie connection continues at the San Antonio Spurs with Matt Nielsen named an assistant to legendary coach Gregg Popovich.
Nielsen, who played an integral role in Australia’s first Olympic medal as an assistant, will also work alongside Boomers big man Jock Landale at the Spurs.
He joins Becky Hammon and Mitch Johnson on head coach Popovich’s staff.
Nielsen’s rise to the NBA coaching ranks at San Antonio adds another chapter to Australia’s strong links to the franchise.
The Spurs’ Australian relationship dates back to the 1990s when former Sydney Kings and Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown and NBL legend Andrew Gaze helped blaze a trail. Since then, Patty Mills, Shane Heal, Aron Baynes, Landale and even Aussie director of performance Phil Coles have all had stints at the Spurs. Nielsen spent last season as coach of the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s official NBA G League affiliate.