Gregg Popovich’s understanding of the world extends far beyond the realm of basketball. Before becoming a household name in the sports world, his intellectual curiosity was evident during his time at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he majored in Soviet studies, preparing for a potential career as a spy. However, fate had different plans, and Popovich became an iconic figure in NBA history.
With the conclusion of his coaching era with the San Antonio Spurs last Friday — marked by a stroke six months prior that inadvertently ended his coaching duties — Popovich symbolically closed a significant chapter. He stepped down from his coaching role, promoting Mitch Johnson from acting coach to head coach, ushering in a new era for the Spurs.
Though no longer coaching, Popovich is not stepping away entirely. Remaining as the team president, he will still wield considerable influence over the team. His future role is open to his discretion, a privilege he’s earned over decades. Popovich’s worldview greatly shaped the Spurs’ identity and had a ripple effect on the rest of the NBA. Today, international players such as Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama owe much to the pathways forged by Popovich and the Spurs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the pioneering spirit of Popovich and the Spurs, particularly praising his collaboration with R.C. Buford, the team’s CEO. They ventured into global scouting long before it was common practice. Popovich’s quest for knowledge saw him scouting Europe in the late 1980s. His presence, especially in places like Belgrade, is met with widespread recognition.
The legacy of global talent in the Spurs organization is evident in their roster history. Icons like France’s Tony Parker and Argentina’s Manu Ginobili complemented Tim Duncan to form a legendary trio. Players such as Boris Diaw, Tiago Splitter, Marco Belinelli, and others contributed to Popovich’s international narrative. His collaboration with overseas coaches, such as Italy’s Ettore Messina and former French national team coach Vincent Collet, bolstered his international ethos.
“Smart people are everywhere,” Popovich once remarked, embracing the diversity of ideas and perspectives in basketball. In many ways, he came close to mastering the game’s nuances.
Popovich’s accolades are impressive — a Basketball Hall of Famer, an NBA all-time win leader, a five-time champion, and an Olympic gold-winning coach. Yet, those achievements tell only part of his story. His philanthropic efforts with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank, the Innocence Project, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital paint a fuller picture of his contributions.
Popovich was more than just a brilliant coach; he was a reflective thinker hailing from Indiana, turning an Air Force education into a remarkable career. After narrowly missing the 1972 U.S. Olympic team, he turned his focus to coaching, revitalizing a struggling Division III team and eventually rising through the ranks of basketball elite.
His alma mater, the Air Force Academy, left an indelible mark on him. Popovich continues to embrace varied perspectives and perpetual learning. “It’s not about you,” he once stated, capturing the ethos he embodies.
Popovich transformed not only the Spurs but also created lasting changes within the NBA. His true legacy extends past championships and accolades — it’s the profound impact he left on the league.