As the NBA world pays tribute to Gregg Popovich after he retired as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama and Pau Gasol have shared their heartfelt thoughts as well.
Gregg Popovich stepped down as the San Antonio Spurs‘ head coach after 28 and a half years in the job. Pop named himself to the role in 1996 and led the team to five NBA championships.
The announcement that he would no longer be courtside was followed by disbelief from fans. This is despite his health concerns this season which meant that this was always a possibility.
Popovich retires as the winningest coach in NBA history. He started his career coaching David Robinson, drafted and developed Tim Duncan into an all-time great, and has been coaching Victor Wembanyama during his first two seasons.
The young Spurs superstar took to social media to share his admiration for the San Antonio legend.
Wemby came into the league with great expectations. While injury robbed him this season, he was on course to win DPOY. The Frenchman owes a lot to Popovich’s influence on his early career.
Wembanyama had hinted at the new head coach he might want if Popovich retired, but that doesn’t lessen how much his impact meant. His heartfelt tribute on X is proof of that.
“29 years. Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created…” Wemby wrote.
“But most importantly for being a great and inspiring person. It was an honor to be a part of those 29 years. Wishing you the best on your new chapter.”
Pau Gasol experienced playing against Popovich, competing in the playoffs against the mighty Spurs sides with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He also got to learn from the great coach when he played for the Spurs from 2016 to 2019. He shared his own tribute on X as well.
“It was an honor to learn from your knowledge and your love of basketball. Happy to see you stay with Spurs doing what you enjoy, Coach,” Gasol wrote.
The 76-year-old will be staying on as Team President, as Gasol’s post implies. His successor, Mitch Johnson, has already been named by the organization. Fans that thought it would be Michael Malone have been disappointed.
The future looks bright for the Spurs with Wembanyama leading the way and Popovich still in charge at the decision-making level. The legendary coach will be missed courtside, though.
