Throughout the season spurs.com will celebrate the Spurs 40th Anniversary by visiting with former players, coaches and front office staff to discuss their experiences with the organization and the city of San Antonio.
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Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Mario Elie, played with the Spurs for three seasons from 1998-00 and helped the Spurs win their first championship in 1999. Elie appeared in 126 games averaging 8.3 points and 3.0 rebounds and appeared in 21 playoff games for the Silver and Black. He also spent the 2003-04 season as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich. Elie took some time before Brooklyn’s matchup against the Spurs on Dec. 31 to speak with spurs.com.
On his time with the Spurs as a player and a coach:
“It was one of best times of my career. It’s one of the best organizations in sports. It reminds me of the New England Patriots. It all starts at the top from Greg Popovich and R.C. Buford. I was part of the first team to win a NBA Championship here; it’s one of the special memories in my playing career.”
On his favorite restaurant in San Antonio:
“Oh man, Rudy’s. When I used to live out in the Dominion, it was close. They have the best sausage links I’ve ever had, especially with that barbeque sauce and that white bread. It’s the best.”