‘I can’t wait’: excitement mounts for NBA’s first in-season tournament

The race for the inaugural NBA Cup tips off on Friday night with all 30 teams set to compete for a newly minted trophy and cash bonuses

When Greg Popovich is enthused, you know you're onto something. The often-reserved coach of the San Antonio Spurs is known for keeping his composure and not using hyperbole. It's what's helped his team win five NBA championships during his ongoing tenure. Now, though, as the league is set to embark on its latest endeavor - the in-season tournament, beginning on Friday night - the 74-year-old coach says that the event is exciting for everybody". Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Spurs coach reminded those listening just how driven NBA players are. So, with a chance at winning the new NBA Cup, Pop says teams will rise to the challenge.

You have to understand all these guys are very competitive," Popovich says of the NBA workforce. If you put something out there like this, it just adds to that competition."