(photo:NBA, NBA.com)
I’ll be honest — I’m not a Spurs fan. Never have been. But I’ve always had a ton of respect for Gregg Popovich.
He was the kind of coach you didn’t need to root for to admire. His teams were nothing fancy, not chasing headlines. They just showed up and did the work. I still remember that first title in ‘99 — Duncan and Robinson keeping it simple and strong. Then came 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. That 2014 team? Different. They took apart Miami in the Finals. Just perfect pure example of teamwork. You didn’t have to like the Spurs to love how they played.
And honestly, it’s kind of comforting seeing familiar faces from my teenage years still being around the NBA. Pop’s one of those names that’s just always been there — through all the changes, trades, rebuilds. He was always there and still is!
Now, after 29 seasons, Pop is stepping down from coaching. Not surprising, but still heavy. He had a mild stroke in November, then another health scare in April. He took a leave, and on May 2 the team made it official — he’s not coming back to the bench. He’s moving full-time into the front office as president of basketball operations.
In his words: “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach. I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach… and I’m excited to continue supporting this organization and the city that means so much to me.”
Tim Duncan once said, “He made me who I am as a player and as a person. He didn’t just coach basketball — he taught us how to be professionals.”
Victor Wembanyama said, “Coach Pop is a legend. Just to share a locker room with him was already a privilege. What he’s built here will always be part of who we are.”
Mitch Johnson’s stepping in now as head coach. He led the team to get through this year and he’s been in the Spurs system for a long time. Even though It’s not a full reset, it is going to be different without Pop.
Pop’s still in the building but just not the sideline. That’s going to take some time for all basketball fans getting used to.