Gregg Popovich brushed off a question about whether he will return as coach of the San Antonio Spurs after their attempt to set an NBA record for consecutive playoff appearances fell short in the bubble.

DeMar DeRozan didn't even get a question about his future because the four-time All-Star guard acquired in the Kawhi Leonard trade had already made it clear he hasn't decided about the player option for the final year of his contract.

Waiting back in San Antonio is LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed the restart to have shoulder surgery and will soon rejoin a young group of guards that helped keep alive faint hopes of a record 23rd straight trip to the playoffs longer than expected.