Popovich has truly retired! No celebration events were held, which is so typical of the Spurs!

The Spurs have discreetly hung the retired banner of Hall of Fame coach Popovich above their home stadium, alongside several other team icons including Duncan.

No public event was held when the banner was raised.

Popovich personally did not want any lavish celebration.

This style is very much in line with the Spurs’ character.

This moment brought Duncan to my mind.

On May 13, 2016, Tim Duncan quietly left after Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder, marking the final game of his career.

His silhouette pointing one finger to the sky is widely regarded as the most iconic farewell gesture of this low-key superstar.

This is the team culture and character that Popovich has shaped.

They don’t like grandiose events or tours.

The Spurs have always preferred players who are modest in personality but outstanding in skill, forming a unique and stable cultural core.

Now, this “simple” legacy has been passed on to Wembanyama.

As for Popovich, having already achieved great success, it’s time for him to take on a new role.

He coached the Spurs for 29 seasons (1996-2025), finishing the regular season with a record of1390 wins and 824 losses(a 62.8% winning percentage), firmly holding the top spot in NBA history for most wins.

In the playoffs, he recorded 284 wins and 170 losses, leading the team to five championships.

In November 2024, Popovich missed subsequent games due to a mild stroke; in February 2025, he announced he would not return this season, and in May officially stepped down as head coach to become the team’s basketball operations president.

He is already 76 years old.