Despite only coaching Victor Wembanyama for two seasons, Popovich had a lasting impression.
After May 2, the San Antonio Spurs organization will be completely different. The Spurs declared on Friday that famous coach Gregg Popovich would be leaving his position as head coach. “Pop” isn’t leaving just yet; he will take on the new position of President of Basketball Operations for the organization. However, he will not be sidelined as he has been for the previous 29 seasons.
Popovich’s resume is self-evident. He won five NBA titles with the team, which is the only five-ring total in Spurs history.
Victor Wembanyama’s powerful message for Gregg Popovich
He coached some of the top players the NBA has seen recently throughout his tenure. Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and others were shaped by him. However, he was only able to train the most gifted athlete for two seasons. Victor Wembanyama, who was drafted in 2023, would have wished Pop had stayed with him for a longer period of time, but the Frenchman is already establishing records.
29 years.
Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created…
But most importantly for being a great and inspiring person.
It was an honor to be a part of those 29 years🙏🏽 Wishing you the best on your new chapter.
🐐
— Wemby (@wemby) May 2, 2025
Even though they only played together for two seasons, Popovich undoubtedly made a lasting impression on Wemby. The 21-year-old shared two farewell posts on Instagram and X for Popovich.
Although the messages differed somewhat, the overall idea was the same. Wembanyama seems to have been most impacted by Popovich’s demeanor.
