Popovich says he's a 'little bit lonely' without Tim Duncan

Coach Gregg Popovich admitted before a preseason game that it's a little weird coaching this year without Spurs legend Tim Duncan, who retired this offseason after 19 years in the league.

After two decades with his starting big man, Popovich is feeling a little lonely.

From the San Antonio Express-News:

"It's a little bit lonely here at the start," Popovich said before the Spurs faced Phoenix at Talking Stick Resort Arena. "You don't coach someone for 20 years, that's a long, long time."

Popovich has made it clear that Duncan is welcome back at the facility with the Spurs in any capacity he desires, whether it's as a coach, ambassador, or (presumably) power forward.