Gregg Popovich Spurs Legend Appears in New Video Ahead of NBA Playoffs
Regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches in history, Gregg Popovich has had an illustrious career in the sport. His journey began in 1973 when he started as an assistant coach for the Air Force Falcons. Transitioning to the NBA, Popovich found his first coaching opportunity with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988. Serving as the lead assistant coach under Larry Brown until 1992, he briefly worked as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors before returning to San Antonio.
During the 1996-97 NBA season, the Spurs faced a challenging start with a 3-15 record and their star player, David Robinson, sidelined due to a back injury. Amidst this tumultuous period, Popovich made a pivotal decision by firing the head coach, Bob Hill, and stepping into the role himself. This marked the beginning of his longstanding tenure as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
Over the span of almost three decades, from 1996 to 2025, Popovich, alongside the Spurs, achieved remarkable success. They secured five NBA Championships and made a record-breaking 22 consecutive postseason appearances. Additionally, Popovich’s coaching prowess earned him the opportunity to lead the NBA All-Star Game four times and be recognized as a three-time NBA Coach of the Year winner.
Unfortunately, in 2024, Popovich faced a health setback when he suffered a stroke. Following this incident, he took an indefinite leave of absence, and Mitch Johnson stepped in as the interim head coach. However, in 2025, Popovich officially announced his decision to step down as the head coach of the Spurs after 29 years, transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations for the organization.
Leading up to the NBA playoffs, a video surfaced showing Popovich at the team’s practice facility. Despite moving around slowly, the sight of him walking without the aid of a cane was reassuring to both the San Antonio Spurs’ fans and the broader NBA community. At 77 years old, Popovich appeared strong and healthy in the footage, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team.
Throughout the season, despite his health concerns, Popovich has continued to mentor the players, including Victor Wembenyama, as they strive for success. As the Spurs prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs, Popovich’s guidance and leadership remain crucial in their pursuit of a deep postseason run. Game 1 between the Spurs and the Trail Blazers is set to take place at Frost Bank Center, with tipoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.