5 Coaching candidates for the Spurs if Gregg Popovich retires this summer

The San Antonio Spurs have seen a lot of change over the last decade. The retirement of the Big Three, the Kawhi Leonard debacle, and the recent shift to a full-blown rebuild are all examples of transitions the organization and its fanbase have endured as they enter uncharted territory.

However, one pillar of the organization has remained constant: Gregg Popovich's presence as head coach. That singular constant could all change this offseason, as Popovich finished the last year of his contract. With that in mind, here are potential coaching candidates the Spurs should look at if Coach Pop decides to hang it up.

5. Ime Udoka

Strictly from a basketball perspective, Udoka might be the best fit for this job. He knows the Spurs, and he knows them well. He suited up for San Antonio for three seasons during his playing career, rejoined the organization as an assistant from 2012 to 2019, and eventually became head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2021.

Udoka turned the Celtics into a defensive force during their run to the NBA Finals last season. And with versatile wings like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan as building blocks for the future, Udoka could have all the tools he needs to turn the Spurs around.

Of course, the Spurs have set a longstanding precedent of being an upstanding franchise. Boston moved on from Udoka for off-court misconduct this season, which would make it intriguing to see how they approach this issue should Popovich call it quits.

4. Nick Nurse

The Nick Nurse era has officially ended in Toronto. Rumors have already started circulating on Twitter about Nurse heading to another Texas team, as the Houston Rockets also have a coaching vacancy. That seems to be a questionable fit. Nurse has seen success coaching guys that are willing and capable defenders, and the Rockets have defensive liabilities everywhere you look.

The Spurs, on the other hand, have several young guys that have shown solid defensive prowess. A lot rests on the NBA Draft Lottery, but if Popovich retires and the Spurs get a better pick than Houston (maybe even landing Wembanyama), it would be tough for Nurse to turn down an offer in the 2-1-0.

3. Kenny Atkinson

Kenny Atkinson is exactly what the Spurs need at this stage in their rebuild. His last head coaching opportunity came with the Brooklyn Nets, where he helped develop a young D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, and Jarrett Allen. All those guys are flourishing with different squads, but Atkinson has always excelled in developing young talent.

Coming off a championship with the Golden State Warriors, Atkinson has played a monumental role in the improvements made by guys like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. Atkinson has only had one head coaching role, but he has spent time as an assistant under Popovich disciples such as Mike Budenholzer and Steve Kerr. With the abundance of young talent on the Spurs, Atkinson would be the perfect head coach.

2. Brett Brown

Brett Brown is probably the most realistic candidate on this list. Brown has an extensive history with the Spurs organization, and after taking a couple of years off from coaching, the Spurs re-hired Brown last summer. Bringing Brown back to the Spurs feels like a calculated move by the front office to set up a possible Pop replacement.

Brown is no stranger to rebuilding, as he was the head coach of the 76ers throughout “The Process.” He helped Joel Embiid ascend to stardom as one of the league’s most successful projects in years. Embiid was a raw talent when he entered the NBA, but if the basketball gods decide to smile upon San Antonio and hand them Victor Wembanyama, Brown would be the perfect guy for the job.

1. Becky Hammon

The dream candidate is Becky Hammon. Everywhere Hammon has coached, winning has followed. While Hammon has expressed interest in the NBA, it seems as though she likes her post as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces. However, Hammon hasn't completely shut down a return to the NBA, addressing that topic last month in an exclusive Q&A with The Denver Post.

"“At this point, no. If it happens, it happens. I won’t say no I’m never going back and I won’t say I’m always going to stay here.”"

Becky Hammon

Hammon is in a great spot in the WNBA. Fresh off a championship, the Aces loaded up in the offseason, adding Candace Parker to an already gifted assembly of talent. However, the Spurs know Hammon better than any team in the NBA, and Hammon knows the Spurs. While it may be far-fetched, the Spurs should absolutely pursue Hammon if Pop steps away from the clipboard this summer.

You’ll never find a coach without some scratch on their record, and Popovich is irreplaceable. With that said, any of the candidates we discussed would be great fits for the San Antonio Spurs, considering their track record with player development and familiarity with the organization.