"Shaq shares heartfelt story about touching gesture from Gregg Popovich during his childhood, causing him to hold back tears in a moving tribute"
Placing Tributes: Inside the NBA Homage to Gregg Popovich on His Farewell
The Inside the NBA squad bid an emotional adieu to Gregg Popovich prior to the Clippers vs Nuggets game broadcast. Emotions were running high, especially for Shaq, who's had a personal connection with the legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach since his childhood.
Popovich had a health scare earlier this year, leading to his temporary departure from his duties. Now, after much reflection, he's decided to relinquish his coaching role permanently, but will stay in San Antonio as Team President.
In their first show since the news, TNT Sports hosts Ernie Johnson, O'Neal, Barkley, and Smith took the opportunity to pay their tributes to the NBA icon.
"His records are unmatched," Johnson stated.
Johnson then asked Shaq about facing a Popovich team, and the four-time NBA champion recounted a heartwarming gesture from the veteran coach in his youth.
"We knew our opponents would be well-prepared," Shaq shared. "We called it 'The Program.'
"Growing up in San Antonio, my parents struggled financially, and someone told my father that someone on the Spurs wore size 22. My father made contact with the Spurs, and Pop - a military man, my father being military - they hit it off. Pop gave us a few pairs of shoes. He never asked for anything in return,"
Moved, Shaq added, "I've always admired and respected him. While he had a legendary career, he's an even better man. I'll miss seeing him on the court."
Barkley followed with his farewell message, expressing his gratitude for Popovich's contributions to the game. "I want to thank you for your service and everything you've done for the game."
Smith praised Popovich for shaping the league and influencing the coaching style of many contemporary figures. "Popovich is not just the Spurs; he's the NBA. His coaching tree is vast, and his impact is immense."
NBA Legends
- Top NBA players making waves
- NBA champions never to lift the trophy
- Richest NBA team owners
- Michael Jordan's top 10 scoring games
Gregg Popovich's Impressive Achievements:
Ranking first in all-time regular-season wins
Amassing the third-most playoff wins
Guiding the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff appearances
Winning five NBA championships
Being a three-time Coach of the Year winner
The Nuggets secured their win-or-go-home clash, setting up a clash with the No.1 seed Oklahoma Thunder in the following round.
"The NBA legends on Inside the NBA, led by Ernie Johnson, honored Gregg Popovich's impressive achievements, emphasizing his unmatched records in basketball and sports, such as his first rank in all-time regular-season wins and the third-most playoff wins."
"Shaq, moved by Popovich's personal gesture of giving him shoes during his childhood, shared a heartfelt appreciation for the legendary coach, stating that he'll miss seeing him on the court, but admires and respects him as a man, not just an NBA icon."
