Over the weekend, the Basketball Hall of Fame will induct the latest class of players and coaches, with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs being among those getting inducted.
Although Popovich is still actively coaching in the NBA and recently signed a five-year contract extension after the team drafted Victor Wembanyama at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, recent rule changes made him eligible to get the nod, as he has over 25 years of coaching experience and is at least 60 years old (74).
With Popovich set to be inducted this weekend, he’s doing the rounds before he gets to the podium, and that includes signing some autographs, with the following interaction with an avid fan being absolutely priceless, via the NBA on Twitter.
"I need a hug."
This moment between Coach Pop and a Spurs superfan ❤️
?: The #23HoopClass Enshrinement || Tomorrow || 8pm/et on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/ivZrSsvGSq
— NBA (@NBA) August 11, 2023
Ironically enough, Popovich will head into the Basketball Hall of Fame with some of the players that he coached over the years, like Pau Gasol and Tony Parker.
Last year, Spurs legend Manu Ginobili entered the Hall of Fame, and before that, Tim Duncan went in with fellow superstars Kevin Garnett and the late, great Kobe Bryant.
Needless to say, Popovich has a long list of players that he’s coached that have had incredible careers in the NBA, with Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, and David Robinson being ahead of the pack.
All four of these Hall of Famers mentioned will be presenting Popovich into the Hall of Fame this weekend, which is a touching tribute to what he’s done for their careers and why he’s such an incredible basketball coach.
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