Popovich defends Mike Brown

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich knows Mike Brown better than most anyone. Brown was his top assistant before leaving to take the Cavaliers job five years ago.

"Mike did a fantastic job while he was in Cleveland," Popovich said. "But in this business, circumstances often dictate what happens. Sometimes circumstances have more to do with a coach's dismissal than anything he did as far as being a coach is concerned. He’ll land someplace when he decides to get back in because he is a very good coach, he’s a very good man."

Popovich said Brown, who still lives in the Cleveland area, is enjoying his time away from the court and watching his boys play sports. Elijah plays for St. Ed's and Cameron is in middle school.

"His kids are going to be much better athletes than he ever thought of being," Popovich said, "so it’s fun for him to watch them compete and play."

Popovich also loves seeing Danny Ferry back with the Spurs. Ferry returned after resigning as general manager in June and fell right back into his old ways in San Antonio.

"It’s fantastic. The humor level rises, the sarcasm level rises, the fun and enjoyment of the game rises," Popovich said of Ferry. "The only sad part is I know he’s not going to be there long. And I already think about that because it’s so much fun having him back. It really is neat for us."