NBA Legends Pay Tribute to Gregg Popovich After 29 Seasons

NBA stars, including Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Garnett, pay tribute to Gregg Popovich after his decision to step down as Spurs coach.

The NBA world is paying tribute to Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, following his decision to step down after 29 remarkable seasons. Popovich's departure marks the end of an era, but his impact on the players he coached will never fade.

Players like Victor Wembanyama, the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, have expressed their gratitude for the inspiration they drew from Popovich. Despite stepping down from his coaching role, Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, a testament to his enduring legacy with the organization.

Key Highlights of Gregg Popovich's Career:

• Coaching Tenure: 29 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs
• NBA Championships: 5 NBA titles under his leadership
• Legacy: Known for his inspiring leadership and mentorship of numerous players, including Victor Wembanyama
• New Role: Will remain with the Spurs as team president, focusing on organizational leadership and strategy 

Victor Wembanyama paid tribute to Gregg Popovich on social media, saying, “29 years. Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created... 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.”

Popovich, 76, is transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs, following a mild stroke last November that limited his coaching duties during the past season.

NBA legends are paying tribute to Gregg Popovich following his decision to step down as Spurs coach. Kevin Garnett, a 2008 NBA champion, posted, “Shout out to Pop... hell of a coaching career!”

🏀 Winningest coach in NBA history
🏀 Five NBA Titles
🏀 18 straight 50-win seasons
🏀 3x NBA Coach of the Year
🏀 170 playoff wins

Gregg Popovich is a legend 👏 pic.twitter.com/5nFq6GRI5y

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 2, 2025

Antonio Daniels, who played on Popovich's 1999 NBA title team, praised him as the greatest coach in the league, acknowledging his record 1,422 NBA wins.

Antonio Daniels hailed Gregg Popovich as “The greatest coach in the history of the league. This is truly the end of an era!!” on social media.

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey concurred, calling Popovich “one of the greats.. 5 NBA championship rings.. legendary run” and ended his post with the GOAT emoji. NBA commissioner Adam Silver also praised Popovich for his remarkable longevity and leadership since 1996.

Silver said Popovich's “sustained success as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs is incomparable.”

“Coach Pop has developed generations of players and coaches and been a driving force behind the global growth of basketball.

“There are few people in the basketball community as beloved and revered as Coach Pop. We thank him for his extraordinary leadership and commitment to our sport and wish him well as he embarks on his new role with the Spurs organization.”