PHOTO: Popovich takes picture with Serbian fans, barely cracks a smile

PHOTO: Popovich takes picture with Serbian fans, barely cracks a smile

11 years ago
Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich isn't the curmudgeon you think he is.

Despite the persona conveyed through his legendary interviews, Popovich is actually a generous, warmhearted individual by all accounts.

Regardless, eliciting a smile from the longtime Spurs bench boss can often be compared to pulling teeth - if said teeth were to even be exposed via the rare grin.

This was proven Tuesday, when Pop was captured on camera with Serbian fans at EuroBasket 2015 - the Olympic qualifying tournament - in Berlin.

Popovich, 66, was born to a Serbian father and a Croatian mother, and has a slight grasp of the native language of his father's home country.

The five-time NBA champ is likely in Europe to support new Spurs acquisition Boban Marjanovic - who is sitting out the tournament with an ailing foot - while also rooting for various other international players whom he coaches during the NBA season.

Either that, or he's gone abroad for the wine.

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