Perhaps this was the time to point out that the President of the United States had been delighted to answer my questions.

But it was too late. Gregg Popovich did not reveal any inner angst or conflict at the prospect of life without his three superstar San Antonio Spurs — Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The question was an idea, not an opinion: perhaps Pop could sleep a little easier these days, knowing that he now had a near-complete bridge to the post-Timmeh era with LaMarcus Aldridge andKawhi Leonard, along with sharpshooting Danny Green, all signed for the next four seasons at least (Leonard’s deal runs a fifth year).