Gregg Popovich recently stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after another health issue. While his 29-season run that saw the franchise win five championships makes him a legend, his impact on the NBA has been felt more through the players and relationships he has cultivated.
All basketball fans know about Pop's bond with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, among others. He even shares strong relationships with players he never coached, like LeBron James. Dejounte Murray recently opened up on the story that signifies his bond with the legendary head coach.
RELATED:Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach, remains as team president
Dejounte Murray says Gregg Popovich tried to use his own money to move Dejounte’s mom to San Antonio after finding out she had been shot
“It was so crazy—a lot of my people don’t even know this. From family, friends, and the penitentiary… Pop didn’t want me to go to Seattle.… pic.twitter.com/KIYb1QG5NQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2025
"That was a man who cared about me," Murray said on The Pivot podcast. "That was a man who wanted me to reach my full potential in life first, then as a basketball player.
"He’s so real. He tried to move my mom to San Antonio with his own money after she got shot. My mom was shot in the leg during my rookie year.
"He called her himself, without me knowing until after the fact. ‘We want to move you here. No, not with his money, with my money.’ That sounds like a dude that cares about me and loves me, right?”
Murray is now with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he started his career in San Antonio. He developed under Popovich to the point that he was named an All-Star during his final season with the Spurs.
Coach Pop will remain in the NBA as President of Basketball Operations. As he continues to build the culture in San Antonio, the future remains bright thanks to his greatness.
GET MORE TOP STORIESfrom The Big Leadbysubscribing to TBL YouTubechannel
MLB:What position will Rafael Devers play with Giants? Traded ex-Red Sox star expresses rare openness
NBA:Top 2025 NBA Draft prospect could fall in draft after growing worries from NBA teams
WNBA:Nike drops insane 'Indiana Fever' Caitlin Clark x Kobe 5 sneaker edition
SPORTS MEDIA:Stephen A. Smith drops NBA city that players don't consider 'safest environment''
VIRAL:Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo sent special gift to president Donald Trump