Happy birthday to the Spurs head coach and NBA legend, Gregg Popovich

He’s the heart and soul of the San Antonio Spurs organization, happy 71st birthday to our head coach and NBA legend, Gregg Popovich.

After a tough loss last night in Chicago, Gregg Popovich is surely enjoying his 71st birthday with a much deserved day off. The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs has been the leader of the organization since taking over the head coaching role in 1996.

Through every tight-lipped mid-game interview, irritated response to questions about Lonnie Walker’s playing time, and poignant commentary on social situations, Popovich has been the heartbeat and guiding light of the San Antonio Spurs organization.

Five-time NBA Champion, three-time NBA Coach of the Year, four-time All-Star Game Head Coach, third all-time in terms of wins by an NBA Head Coach (with a good shot at taking over the top spot before all is said and done) Pop’s resume speaks for himself. Not only is he one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, but he is also firmly in the conversation for one of the greatest leaders in all of modern sports.

All of that said, Popovich is in the midst of one of his most challenging seasons in years. The Spurs have struggled in a way that they haven’t experienced in decades.

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Earlier this year they underwent the longest losing streak of Pop’s career and the issues that plagued them then still remain today. The shut-ins on Twitter question Pop’s rotations on a seemingly nightly basis but he’s sticking to his guns.

Even as the Spurs continue to struggle to fight their way back into the playoff picture it’s important that we take a day to put all of our frustrations aside and wish a happy birthday to the leader of the organization we all love so much.

The culture that has helped sustain such an impressive level of success would not be possible without Popovich. The importance he puts on interests outside of basketball, giving back to the community, and doing the right thing stretch throughout the organization and make the Spurs one of the most respected franchises in all of professional sports.

Happy birthday Pop, hope you’re enjoying a five-star Italian dinner and a bottle of red wine, you deserve it.