A couple of weeks after he announced his retirement from coaching, Gregg Popovich keeps making headlines. Besides his emotional reunion with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, two players who helped him coach in six Finals and win five of them, Popovich and the team's future appear to be bright after they were given the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
They selected the last two Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, but the Spurs aren't done getting high picks.
Popovich stepped away as head coach after 29 years on the sidelines, leaving Mitch Johnson as his heir. His health became a source of concern around the NBA world after he suffered a mild stroke in October during a game, months before he fainted at a restaurant in April.
He's now the full-time president of basketball operations, a role that can bring more success to the Spurs if they bring the right pieces.
Gregg Popovich speaks with Keldon Johnson.
Gregg Popovich is stepping away as the San Antonio Spurs head coach.
© Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Besides all the homages he received from the players he coached and faced during his legendary career, Popovich could receive a huge honor from the city of San Antonio. City council member Manny Pelaez of District 8 has filed a request to rename the San Antonio International Airport after Popovich.
The request, shared by the NBA on ESPN's X account, was filed on Wednesday. It reads that the city "has been profoundly shaped and elevated by the remarkable contributions of Coach Gregg Popovich."
Pelaez adds that Popovich's impact on the city is "immeasurable" after he brought "unparalleled success and recognition to the place" during his 29-year tenure as coach.
Popovich took the Spurs to tie the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers as the team with the most consecutive playoff participations in NBA history (22), a streak that dated from 1998 until 2019.
They went to six Finals over that span and won five titles, forming one of the most memorable and beloved dynasties ever. It remains to be seen if the request gains traction, but it's fair to think that similar proposals are likely to be suggested.