5 Shocking events that could happen to Spurs over the next year

3 of 5

3. Coach Pop retires

This would be shocking because Gregg Popovich just signed a fresh five-year extension that runs through 2028, but he was earned the right to go out on his terms. The Hall of Famer is eager to coach Victor Wembanyama in year one, but all good things must come to an end.

Pop turns 75 years old in January, and there have been plenty of rumblings in recent years. He has been with the Spurs since 1994 and became their head coach in 1996. The next longest-tenured head coach is Erik Spoelstra, who joined the Heat in 2008. There is plenty to be excited about in coaching young talent, but Popovich has to walk away at some point.

Some thought he would after the 2022-23 season, and fans should expect him to reevaluate things after this year. Pop talked about when he would retire in January and left it open-ended.

I asked Spurs coach Gregg Popovich when he’d know it’s time to retire.

“That’s a good question. Retire next week, 6 years from now, or after the season, I don’t think about that stuff. I think the little voice in my head will tell me that’s enough.”

Full video is classic Pop 😂 pic.twitter.com/8ih62d9vMX
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 3, 2023

Nobody knows when Popovich will walk away, but it is on the horizon. It would be shocking to see him retire, especially if Victor Wembanyama is becoming a star before his eyes, but crazier things have happened in the NBA. He will leave the San Antonio Spurs in a fantastic place whenever that moment comes, and it is something to watch as the season progresses.

Home/San Antonio Spurs News