Former Spurs Champion Reacts to Gregg Popovich Stepping Down

The entire NBA world was shocked when news dropped about longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich stepping down due to health issues.

Popovich will now be transitioning to a team president role with the team, opening the door for assistant Mitch Johnson to be the full-time head coach.

Read more: Gregg Popovich Releases Statement After Stepping Down as HC of Spurs

With this news, many former and current players started to flood social media with reactions. Popovich meant a lot to the league. His impact on generations of players was clear after the news dropped.

Former Spurs guard and champion Danny Green posted a heartfelt reaction on his social media, thanking the longtime coach.

"Pop, Where do I begin...," Green wrote. "I came into this league as a late 2nd round pick with a lot to prove and you welcomed me in and taught me how to be a pro on and off the court. 7+ seasons later, I'm so grateful for all the success, experiences, and memories we shared."

"I owe so much of my career to you. After 29 years, your legacy as the greatest coach this game has ever seen is forever. You define what it means to be a winner. Beyond coaching, you cared deeply about every player, coach, colleague on a personal level. Thank you for inspiring us. G.O.A.T."

Green won the 2014 NBA title with the Spurs and was an integral part of the fabric of the organization for years.

If anyone understands the impact of Popovich on a career, it's Green.

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The former guard was a second-round pick, and he developed into one of the more lethal 3-point shooters in recent memory. Green has Popovich to thank for helping him develop over the years.

Green would go on to win two more titles as a 3-and-D starter, in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors and 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Popovich is generally seen by most as one of the better coaches in NBA history, having won five NBA titles with Hall of Fame big man Tim Duncan on his roster. Their first came during the 1998-99 NBA season. The Spurs also won in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.

The veteran has had a profound impact on the game of basketball and the Spurs organization as a whole. The league will miss Popovich on the sidelines, and he should find more success in his new role as the team president.

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