A recent statement by track and field star Noah Lyles has ignited a fiery debate within the NBA community. His comments have thrown the NBA community into discussion, with coaches, players, and even fringe entities giving their take. However, as discussions around his comments increase, an old quote from esteemed Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich has resurfaced on Twitter. It sheds light on a similar sentiment from over a decade ago, in 2010. 

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In a media appearance, Lyles claimed that NBA champions could not rightfully claim the title of “world champions.” He argued that since the NBA is an American competition, its winners should not carry the title of global champions. And it seems he is not the only one to raise this. 

Gregg Popovich’s 2010 quote echoes Noah Lyles’ perspective

Interestingly, Lyles’ stance isn’t a new phenomenon at all. In 2010, Gregg Popovich, the highly regarded coach of the San Antonio Spurs and a member of the Hall of Fame, made a similar observation. 

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Back then, Popovich stated:

 “There are no world champions in the NBA, so anybody that has the flag up that says world champions is not correct.” He continued, “The world champions, I believe, are the Spanish team right now. USA is the Olympic champion. The Lakers are the NBA champion.” 

Popovich’s viewpoint, expressed over a decade ago, shares a resemblance to those of Lyles. Despite what seemed like opinions born out of logic and reasoning, some extended members of the NBA community disagreed with Lyles, even going as far as to publicly demean his statements. Even celebrities from outside the NBA, as well, have condemned Lyles’ take. 

Drake dissed Lyles for his comments

Among these people is music icon Drake, known for his affiliation with the Toronto Raptors. Drake dissed Lyles on social media, commenting: 

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“He thought this speech was gonna be so hard in the mirror the night before… now the whole league doesn’t rate u.”

As the NBA community grapples with Noah Lyles’ assertion that NBA champions are not world champions, Gregg Popovich’s 2010 quote strikingly echoed Lyles’ perspective. However, criticism from certain people, such as Drake, has added drama to the debate. What seemed like a logical statement by the track and field star has now turned into a full-blown war on social media. And as with all NBA debates, it’s unlikely to end anytime soon. 

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