After nearly three decades leading the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich has officially announced his retirement from coaching due to health concerns. His departure marks the end of an era, as he steps down after 29 seasons at the helm of the franchise. Popovich’s decision did not go unnoticed. Several NBA legends reacted to the news and expressed their admiration for the iconic coach. Among them, Draymond Green took a moment to honor Popovich sharing a heartfelt message.
“It sucks to see him go… Everyone says Steven Adams is a gentle giant. That’s Pop. … I just wish I had one last time to go hug him on the sideline… he’s meant so much to this league,” stated Draymond Green on press conference. During his tenure, he boosted many NBA legends such as Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and David Robinson showcasing his unique talent as head coach.
Even at 76 years old, Gregg managed to continue to make an impact on the franchise. Before his retirement, he forged two promising players in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, focusing his efforts on a bright future for the Spurs and demonstrating that his priority is the franchise, not furthering his career with NBA titles. Although we will see the best of both players without Popovich as head coach, we cannot forget that it was he who planted the seed for the future.
However, his legacy goes beyond the courts as he was a standard bearer for racism, coming out to defend on multiple occasions in different situations. With this he earned the respect of several NBA players who saw Gregg as an example to follow. Even Tim Duncan had some nice words for him after being crowned in the 2020 NBA Hall of Fame demonstrating that his legacy will always be present.
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors greets San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich at the end of the game at AT&T Center on April 9, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas.
Have Gregg Popovich and Draymond Green ever been on the same team?
Draymond Green and Gregg Popovich never had the opportunity to share an NBA team. Green entered the league in the 2012–13 season and has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. However, the two did cross paths on the international stage, teaming up during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with Team USA.
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Despite that experience, Green admitted he still felt something was missing. “My only regret is I didn’t get a chance to play for him…That’s someone you want to go to war for, not just because he’s a great coach, but because he’s a great man. He stands for something, he speaks up, he cares,” admitted Green.
