Spurs Quietly Raise Banner Honoring Gregg Popovich’s Legendary Coaching Career

In typical San Antonio fashion — and perhaps even more so in typical Gregg Popovich fashion — the Spurs unveiled a new banner on Sunday night that honored their iconic former coach. There was no music, no spotlight, and no ceremony. Just a quiet reveal before tipoff of their home opener, as fans at Frost Bank Center looked up and noticed a new white banner hanging among the franchise’s greats.

The banner, marked simply with “Pop 1,390,” signifies Popovich’s record for most coaching wins in NBA history. Five stars sit atop the design, symbolizing the five championships he brought to the franchise, while “Hall of Fame” rests at the bottom — a nod to his 2023 enshrinement in Springfield. The subtlety of the moment mirrored Popovich’s own approach to recognition: humble, unassuming, and focused on team, not self.

“There was no announcement, no video package, no speech,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. “Very Pop-esque. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

While the tribute came without fanfare, the meaning was profound. After nearly three decades at the helm, Popovich’s presence remains woven into every aspect of the Spurs organization.

1. A Legacy Etched in Banners and Championships

The new banner joins a legendary lineup hanging high above the court — the retired numbers of David Robinson, Sean Elliott, Avery Johnson, Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. Each name represents an era of Spurs excellence, and at the heart of every one of those eras stood Gregg Popovich. Over 29 seasons as head coach, Popovich built San Antonio into one of the most respected franchises in professional sports. He guided the Spurs to five NBA titles, won three Coach of the Year awards, and became known as much for his mentorship and leadership as for his on-court success. Johnson, who succeeded Popovich as head coach after his retirement in May, reflected on his mentor’s lasting impact. “Everything you see here — every standard, every detail — he’s had his hand on it,” Johnson said. “There are so many things he did that no one even knows about. That’s the depth of his influence.” Popovich’s fingerprints remain visible in the Spurs’ identity: disciplined play, player development, and a culture of humility. Even in his absence from the sideline, his philosophy continues to define how the team operates.

2. From Court to Front Office

Popovich stepped down in May 2024 after suffering a stroke at Frost Bank Center six months earlier. He did not return to coaching after the incident but remains actively involved with the organization as team president. His leadership role now focuses on mentorship — guiding Johnson, advising player development, and ensuring the franchise continues to operate under the same values he instilled. For Johnson, who served as an assistant under Popovich for several years, the transition has been as much about maintaining continuity as it is about forging his own path. “I’ve been blessed to have Pop’s leadership in so many ways,” he said. “As our relationship grew, I saw how deeply he cared about people — not just basketball. That’s one of his special powers.” Popovich’s influence extends well beyond San Antonio. His coaching tree spans the NBA, with former assistants and players now leading teams across the league. His style — candid, intellectual, and demanding — redefined what it meant to be both a tactician and a teacher. The banner serves not just as a commemoration of victories but as a testament to a career built on consistency, integrity, and connection.

3. A Quiet Celebration of Greatness

That the Spurs chose not to stage a formal ceremony says as much about Popovich as any speech or highlight reel could. His legacy has never been about self-promotion or statistics but about the culture he built — one grounded in respect, teamwork, and humility. “Pop never wanted attention,” Johnson said. “He wanted the game, the players, and the city to shine. That’s what makes him who he is.” Fans inside Frost Bank Center seemed to understand. When they looked up and saw the simple white banner, applause broke out organically — brief, heartfelt, and fittingly understated. Popovich’s legacy now hangs permanently among the Spurs’ legends, his name etched into the same rafters as the players he coached to greatness. No ceremony was needed; the gesture itself said everything.