When Gregg Popovich announced his retirement, it felt like the end of an era. After all, the man led the Spurs to 1,422 wins and five championships over 29 seasons. But here’s the thing—when Pop was asked about winning the 2003 NBA Finals, his response was as humble as ever: “I’m just glad it’s over.” That’s Pop for you—no grand speeches, no basking in the glory. He was always more about the journey, the process, and the team than the accolades. With 2,291 games coached, 22 straight winning seasons, and a .599 playoff win rate, Pop’s legacy isn’t just in the stats. It’s in the culture he created, one built on hard work, humility, and a deep love for the game.

As the final whistle blew on a legendary coaching career, the basketball world paused to reflect on a legacy that transcended the court. Popovich’s influence, built over decades of grit, discipline, and integrity, shaped the Spurs and the NBA in ways that go far beyond stats. Those who know the game best, from players to analysts, gathered to share stories, laughter, and admiration, recognizing that Pop’s impact wasn’t just in his championships but in the respect he earned through every win, loss, and moment in between.

When Inside the NBA paid tribute, the numbers faded behind something deeper: admiration. Shaquille O’Neal didn’t just honor Gregg Popovich, the coach—he honored Popovich the man. Reflecting on his childhood in San Antonio, Shaq shared a story that cut deeper than basketball. “We used to call it ‘The Program,’” he said, describing the discipline and precision that came with facing Pop’s Spurs. “But I love the man for a different reason.” Growing up with limited means, Shaq recalled a moment when his father learned that someone on the Spurs wore the same rare shoe size—22. “Pop being military, him being military, they hit it off. Pop gave us a couple pair of shoes,” Shaq said, his voice full of gratitude.

Charles Barkley captured the moment with heartfelt sincerity: “I just want to thank him for his service… and everything he did for the game.” But it didn’t stop there. Reflecting on Popovich’s unique background and quiet strength, Barkley added, “To think about an NBA coach being a veteran, like that’s kind of crazy to even think about, but it just shows you the type of person he was… in the NBA, we are a family. Everybody’s in this thing together…everybody’s part of this amazing life that we’ve had… because of that stupid ball, I have lived the greatest life ever. Thank you for what you did for the game, Coach Pop.”

Then Kenny Smith brought it home with a memory framed on his office wall—a photo of him, Coach Pop, and Coach John Thompson. “One of my favorite pictures,” he said. But his admiration went beyond personal. “Coach Popovich is not the Spurs. He’s the NBA.” He pointed to the sprawling legacy Pop left behind: more than a dozen head coaches and executives across the league who came from his system. “Everyone used to just cherry-pick off his coaching staff and executive staff,” Kenny said. And that’s the real measure of a leader—when your impact keeps growing, even when you’re gone from the sidelines.

How Gregg Popovich built a legacy bigger than basketball?

Popovich’s legacy is ingrained in basketball’s core fabric and goes beyond banners and medals. In addition to winning five NBA titles and amassing more than 1,500 wins with the Spurs, he began modestly at Pomona-Pitzer, when he led the Sagehens to their first NCAA Division III tournament.  That “stonecutter” quote he swore by? It wasn’t just a saying, it shaped a dynasty. Pop was building people. He turned Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili into Hall of Famers. His coaching tree? All over the league. Mike Budenholzer, Monty Williams, and now Becky Hammon—current Spurs head coach—all carry his stamp.

In 1999, things were rough for the Spurs, and Pop’s job was on the line. “If we don’t win tonight in Houston,” Antonio Daniels remembered, “Pop’s probably coaching his last game.” The team had a players-only meeting before that game, and something clicked. They went into Houston, got the win, and never looked back. “That win saved Pop’s job,” Daniels said, and maybe even changed the course of NBA history. Not just for the Spurs, but for everyone who loves the game. Not to mention Popovich’s influence on basketball outside of San Antonio. He made up for previous losses in international competition by leading the U.S. squad to gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He has more than 1,500 victories, which is the most in NBA history.

But Pop also brought a sharp wit and sense of humor to the sidelines. In a 2008 game, just five seconds in, he told Michael Finley to foul Shaq as a cheeky nod to his own “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy. As O’Neal turned toward the Spurs’ bench, he saw Popovich grinning and giving two thumbs up, prompting laughter from both sides. Beyond the court, their bond was rooted in genuine respect. Popovich once remarked, “I always felt [Shaq] had more fun than any NBA player of all time,” highlighting the bond they shared.

As Popovich transitions to a new role as team president, he leaves behind an indelible mark on both the Spurs and the league. “I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach.” His legacy isn’t just in the wins or the trophies; it’s in the values he instilled and the lives he changed.