Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images San Antonio’s players want to win now, while Gregg Popovich takes a more patient approach. NBA media day is all hype. Coaches, front office members, players and media all play into the hype cycle that makes the NBA social media engine run. No one has played a game yet, and the opportunities for a new season are endless. Younger players may think they will win it all, while veteran players may take a more measured and seasoned approach on the press podium. The San Antonio Spurs hosted its media day on Monday, September 30th. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds is the expectations for the team this season. There was a contrast in answers from the players and the coaching staff. “Our expectations are the same as they’ve been from the first year that I coached – we want to be the best possible team we can be,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. “That’s individually, as far as development goes. That’s obviously been a big factor in the last couple of years. Then team wise, (it’s learning) how to play and what it takes to win.” He continued to say: “I want everyone to get better. I have great expectations for every player, that’s individually and team-wise... we want everyone to improve in all facets of the game.” Popovich said that even when the Spurs were championship contenders, there were never conversations about how many games they needed to win. That hasn’t changed this season. His players did not sing the same tune. “Playoffs, that’s it. That’s all I see,” said Spurs wing Devin Vassell when asked what the team’s expectations are this season. Newly acquired point guard, Chris Paul, is on the edge of 40. He didn’t sign an $11 million contract with the Spurs this summer to lose games. “If I’m gonna be away from my family, then I want it to be meaningful,” Paul said. “I want to play and compete. This was the best opportunity to do that. I felt like this would be the best fit.” Popovich was quick to call Paul a mentor, and looked forward to what his experience can bring to the team. “He’s gonna be a great mentor for our young guys,” Popovich said. “These guys haven’t really had that. I can’t even quantify how important that will be.” Paul echoed that sentiment in his presser. “The biggest thing I hope to bring is competitiveness,” he said. “Playing hard is a talent, but it’s not enough. This team can play hard, but now we gotta figure out how to translate that to wins.” There was an interesting conflict in answers from the Spurs at media day. Clearly the players are ready for the new season to start, feel confident and are ready to push for the playoffs. It’s and understandable feeling after two straight seasons of losing 60 games. Popovich’s quotes came across as measured, and don’t necessarily indicate anything other than an unwillingness to put even more spotlight and pressure on the young team. It’s more of a sign of the eagerness to compete from the players than anything else. They will get the chance to get back to work, and begin a push for the playoffs on Tuesday when training camp officially begins.