Popovich worried about Boban Mania: 'He's not some sort of an odd thing'

Boban Marjanovic is averaging only seven minutes per game in 18 games this season, but San Antonio Spurs faithful are obsessed with the 7-foot-3 giant.

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The native of Serbia has seen his playing time increase in December - a function of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich's star-resting regimen - and has made the most of the opportunity.

Although he is averaging a meager 4.9 points, three rebounds, and 0.6 blocks, consider his per 36 figures - 25.4 points, 15.4 boards and 2.9 rejections - and eye-popping 32.2 PER an added bonus, and further evidence that Popovich is justified in leaning on Marjanovic in times of need.

After a 17-point outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, and Wednesday's 12-rebound performance, Spurs fans have begun "M-V-P" chants for their new favorite cult hero.

Popovich, however, is not a fan of "Boban Mania."

"Sometimes it actually worries me," he said. "I think the crowd, they really get a kick out of him and all that, but he’s a basketball player. He’s not some sort of an odd thing."

"He’s a hard worker and he’s a really intelligent kid and he wants it badly," Popovich added.

The San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald also expounded upon the phenomenon surrounding Marjanovic.

The 27-year-old rookie, who signed a one-year, $1.2-million deal with the Spurs in the summer, has clearly earned the trust and respect of his coach, and figures to see the floor even more with a sustained level of productivity.