New Video of Spurs Legend Gregg Popovich Emerges Before NBA Playoffs
Gregg Popovich is considered to be one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. The five-time NBA Champion started his coaching career in 1973 as an assistant coach for the Air Force Falcons.
Popovich had his first NBA coaching stint with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988. He the lead assistant coach under Larry Brown until 1992. He then served as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors under Don Nelson.
After two years, he returned to San Antonio as the general manager and vice president of basketball operations. During the 1996-97 season, the Spurs started 3-15, and their star, David Robinson, was sidelined with a back injury.
Popovich fired coach Bob Hill during that season and named himself as head coach. This was the start of his longtime tenure as San Antonio's top tactician.
From 1996 to 2025, Popovich and the Spurs won five NBA Championships. They also went to the postseason for an NBA record 22 straight years. On top of that, Popovich also coached the NBA All-Star Game four times in his career. He is also a three-time NBA Coach of the Year winner.
Unfortunately, Popovich suffered a stroke in 2024. The team announced that he would take an indefinite leave of absence and that Mitch Johnson would step in as interim head coach.
In 2025, the Spurs announced that Popovich would step down as their head coach after 29 years. He transitioned to president of basketball operations for the organization.
Right before the NBA playoffs, a video emerged showing the Spurs icon in the team's practice facility. He moved around slowly, but Popovich did not need his cane as he walked around.
Coach Pop at the Rock today for Spurs practice pic.twitter.com/lZ7lao3gx2
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 17, 2026
This is a welcome sign for San Antonio and NBA fans alike. The 77-year-old looks strong and healthy in this new video.
Popovich has been guiding Victor Wembenyama and the Spurs throughout the season despite his health issues. He will continue to do what he can to help the team as they look to go on a deep playoff run this season.
The No. 2 Spurs face the seventh seed in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers. Game 1 from Frost Bank Center is on Sunday, with tipoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Spurs Announce Victor Wembanyama Injury Update Before Nuggets Game
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 4:35 AM.