We all know that San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is one of the most important NBA talents of all time.
He is currently the longest-tenured coach with the same team among all professional sports leagues.
He is also the winningest coach in the history of the league and has had five championships to his name from 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
But his impact is beyond just the number of rings and champions tied to him.
Insane: 24% of all NBA coaches were either coached by or worked for Gregg Popovich.
One of the most influential coaches of all-time.🔥
(h/t @projectspurs) pic.twitter.com/Qr8jOksHIP
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 16, 2023
In fact, 24% of all NBA coaches were either coached by or worked for Popovich.
The list of people who have been in Popovich’s orbit includes Jacque Vaughn of the Brooklyn Nets, Joe Prunty who is the assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, Sam Presti of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sean Marks of the Brooklyn Nets, and of course Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors.
The Power Of Popovich
Last season, the NBA Finals featured two Popovich proteges facing off against one another as Kerr and Ime Udoka, then of the Boston Celtics, went against each other in the championship.
And let’s not forget that Becky Hammon, who recently led her Las Vegas Aces to win the WNBA Finals, was also taught by Popovich.
It is clear that Pop is a generational talent who has changed the way the NBA is managed.
Because of his amazing intelligence and immense skill – as well as his prickly attitude – Popovich has left a mark, one that will be felt for some time.
We don’t know what the future holds for him: will he retire after this season or does he have a few more years in the tank?
Of course, Popovich is mum about his plans because he rarely wants to talk much to the press.
No matter when he steps down, no one will ever deny how important Popovich is.
NEXT: The Spurs Have Remained Consistent In One Important Way