Several pivotal events have marked the illustrious journey of Gregg Popovich as he transitions from his role as the San Antonio Spurs’ coach.
**December 10, 1996: The Dawn of a New Era**
On this date, Gregg Popovich, serving as the team’s general manager at the time, decided to dismiss coach Bob Hill, citing the necessity for a new direction. Subsequently, Popovich appointed himself as the coach, coinciding with star player David Robinson’s return to the court. Back then, the Spurs were struggling with a 3-15 record.
**June 25, 1997: The Arrival of a Future Legend**
Fortune favored the Spurs when they secured the No. 1 pick in the 1997 draft, allowing them to select Tim Duncan. This key acquisition transformed the team into immediate contenders, cementing a long-lasting partnership between Popovich and Duncan that would endure for nearly two decades.
**June 25, 1999: First Championship Triumph**
Exactly two years after Duncan’s arrival, the Spurs clinched their first championship by defeating New York, 78-77, in the NBA Finals, concluded in five games.
**June 15, 2003: A Second Championship and a Fond Farewell**
The Spurs’ season saw them sending David Robinson into retirement on a high note, with a victory over New Jersey in six games, earning them their second title. Popovich also captured the coach of the year honors in the same season.
**June 23, 2005: Third Title Secured**
In a closely contested Game 7 against Detroit, the Spurs emerged victorious, finishing strong in the fourth quarter and capturing Popovich’s third championship with an 81-74 win.
**June 14, 2007: A Sweep to Remember**
The Spurs swept LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, accumulating their fourth title with wins averaging a margin of 6 points across the games.
**March 16, 2009: A Personal Milestone**
While playing against Oklahoma City, Popovich entered the ranks of history as the 24th NBA coach to reach the milestone of 1,000 career games. Only Phil Jackson and Pat Riley boasted better records at this benchmark.
**April 6, 2011: Surpassing a Legend**
Popovich surpassed Boston’s Red Auerbach with his 797th win in a single team with a victory over Sacramento, highlighting his sustained success.
**June 15, 2014: Fifth Celebration of Triumph**
The Spurs secured their fifth championship with Popovich, overcoming Miami in a resounding 104-87 victory, making Popovich the fifth head coach to have won five NBA championships.
**February 4, 2017: A Record-Setter**
Another accomplishment unfolded when the Spurs achieved a victory over Denver, delivering Popovich his 1,128th career win, setting a record for the most wins with a single team, surpassing Utah’s Jerry Sloan.
**August 7, 2021: Olympic Glory**
Guiding the U.S. men’s basketball team, Popovich clinched an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, defeating France 87-82. Popovich expressed the unique significance of this championship as a crowning responsibility.
**March 11, 2022: A Historical Achievement**
A significant landmark was reached when Popovich earned his 1,336th career victory, breaking Don Nelson’s record to become the NBA’s all-time winningest coach with a narrow 104-102 victory over Utah.
**August 12, 2023: Induction into the Hall of Fame**
The basketball community lauded Popovich’s contributions when he entered the Basketball Hall of Fame, marking a noteworthy honor after previously resisting due to his preference for his former players’ recognition first.
**November 2, 2024: An Unexpected Health Challenge**
Following a stroke at the San Antonio arena before a game against Minnesota, Popovich stepped back, with Mitch Johnson taking over the remaining games for the season as acting head coach.
**February 27, 2025: Status Update**
Popovich provided an update, confirming Mitch Johnson would conclude the season for the Spurs. Praising Johnson and the players’ resilience through challenging times, Popovich expressed his commitment to focusing on his health with aspirations to return to coaching.
**May 2, 2025: The End of an Era**
Popovich announced his decision to retire from coaching the Spurs, expressing gratitude towards the players, staff, and fans who were part of his journey. He shared his enthusiasm to support the organization and the community going forward, marking the end of a distinguished coaching era. Later the same day, Mitch Johnson was promoted to the head coach position.