Gregg Popovich is officially stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. And although it seemed inevitable after his health scare earlier this season, it still feels like the end of an era. “Coach Pop” will stay with the team as president of basketball operations, but after 29 seasons, 1,422 wins, five NBA titles, and a Hall of Fame induction, he’s finally handing over the clipboard.
So what made Pop more than just a coach? Here are three things that helped him become a true basketball legend.
Reason 1. Popovich Was a Master at Adapting
Popovich didn’t just win; he won for decades. He built his first championship team around Tim Duncan and David Robinson, then transitioned seamlessly to a core of international stars like Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili. Even in the last few seasons, he guided a rebuild and mentored the next generation, including Victor Wembanyama.
He never stuck to one system. He adjusted with the times, changed how his teams played, and always found ways to stay ahead of the curve. His flexibility, paired with his high standards, kept the Spurs competitive across multiple decades.
Reason 2. Popovich Thought Global Before Everyone Else Did
Long before scouting overseas became trendy, Pop was already tapping into international talent. Drafting Parker and Ginóbili wasn’t just smart — it helped reshape the NBA.
The Spurs became the most internationally respected team in the league. Part of that was Coach Pop’s open-mindedness. He didn’t care where you came from — if you could play smart, team-first basketball, you fit.
That global approach didn’t just bring in talent. It helped spread the Spurs’ culture around the world.
Reason 3. Popovich Cared About His Players — As People
Pop could be tough, but he always put his players first. Whether you were a Hall of Famer or a bench guy, he treated you with respect and made sure you were growing not just as a player, but as a person.
That’s part of why so many of his former players — and assistants — talk about him with such admiration and loyalty. He challenged guys, but he also supported them. He was fiercely competitive, but always human.
From my perspective, even better was that he wasn’t afraid to speak out on social issues. He had a moral compass and always stood up for his beliefs, which is another reason players trusted and respected him deeply.
End of an Era — But Not the End of Popovich
Popovich leaving the sideline is a big moment, not just for the Spurs, but for basketball. He’s one of the most influential coaches the game has ever seen. First, he won a ton of basketball games. Second, he was a leader and a person worth looking up to.
Now he shifts into a front office role, where he’ll keep shaping the Spurs’ future behind the scenes. But the truth is that the NBA won’t feel the same without him storming the sidelines, yammering with reporters, or dropping pearls of wisdom in press conferences.
Thanks, Pop. You changed the game — and a whole lot of lives along the way.
Related: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Great Basketball Player & Off-Court Genius
