The San Antonio Spurs had a difficult season. Their talisman missed much of the campaign, and they finished 13th in the West. While definitely a heartbreaking moment for the Spurs, it eventually proved small compared to NBA legend Coach Gregg Popovich’s retirement. Pop led the Spurs for 29 seasons, with 1422 wins and five championships.

Even Victor Wembanyama took to Twitter to pay homage to Pop: “Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created…But most importantly, for being a great and inspiring person.” However, he was not the only one.

Although Pop created historical stars like Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and David Robinson, he influenced the NBA as a whole. From Steve Kerr, Mike Budenholzer, Ime Udoka, and Becky Hammon, all were impacted by Pop. The Warriors’ star Draymond Green noted, “My only regret is I didn’t get a chance to play for him,” while reacting to the news.

While there were tributes from all corners, the biggest response came from San Antonio itself, as plans for a $4 billion arena and entertainment district have been greenlit. And while no timeline for the project has been revealed, it may lead to further calls for a tribute to Gregg Popovich. On Instagram, Rachel Nichols asked the San Antonio City Council to deliver to name the airport after the legendary coach.

The Fox Sports 1 panelist wrote, “Now approve the city council motion to rename the airport after Pop”.

There is little doubt that Popovich has had a huge impact on San Antonio Spurs, and the city itself. Councilmember Manny Pelaez had earlier said that Coach Pop, “has not only brought unparalleled success and recognition to our city through his legendary coaching, but he has also become a deeply respected and admired figure within our community.” As things stand, the suggested renaming of the airport is yet to make any headway.

The Spurs will feel the loss of Coach Pop and fans will hope that Mitch Johnson, his protégé. Johnson has been the assistant HC at Spurs ever since the legendary Tim Duncan stepped down, back in 2020. Having been asked to take up the big job off the back of Pop’s health issues in November, he will bring the same kind of intensity and tactical nous that Popovich made a name for.

Can the Spurs recover after losing Coach Pop?

Back in November, when Coach Pop suffered a mild stroke, Shams Charania reported that Wembly and Pop have been in constant communication. Victor Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year and 2025 All-Star, was picked under Coach Pop. He was pivotal in the athlete’s journey. So, when fans found out that Wembly will also be sidelined for the rest of the NBA season, it was hard for everyone. The French star is down because of a blood clot in his right shoulder.

So, not only are the Spurs down their star coach, but also their star player. However, not all might be lost, as San Antonio scored the second overall draft pick this year, along with the 14th pick. This means they could easily make moves as they await Wemby’s return.

The biggest rumor on the block concerns Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he seems to be open to change. San Antonio certainly have the assets to make the move, and a potential big 3 of Wemby, De’Aaron Fox, and Giannis is as lethal as NBA history may have ever seen. Of course, things are only in the pipeline as things stand. Major changes can be expected in San Antonio, and whether they get the Greek Freak to kickstart the post-Popovich era remains to be seen.