From an outsider’s point of view, Popovich’s treatment of the late Turner Sports sideline reporter seemed hostile. He poked fun at Sager’s questions and his colorful attire.

Popovich kept calling and writing the father, who savored it all. Sager won’t reveal much of what Pop said to him, choosing to keep such matters private, except to say the calls and letters ...

But Popovich was at his heartwarming best once Sager, who died in 2016, was diagnosed with leukemia. It led to a memorable exchange between the two when Sager returned to the sidelines in December ...

3. The interview that pops out Spurs coach Gregg Popovich welcomes Craig Sager back to the sideline during the Grizzlies-Spurs game from 2015.

During the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend, Popovich described Sager as “an iconic figure in the NBA.” “He does a great job,” the coach added. “His sense of humor is obvious.