The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most iconic dynasties in the world of basketball, with a total of five NBA championships. With one title in the 90s and four during the 2000s, they have really become a force in the league. During those runs, their rosters featured several high-level players, like Tim Duncan , Tony Parker , Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard .
Still, no matter the star power, one person who was key to the Spurs' success is their coach, Greg Popovich.
For 29 seasons, Gregg Popovich was the head coach for the Spurs. Besides having elite basketball knowledge, what made him unique among other coaches was his relationship with his players off the court.
Patty Mills , a one-time champion, had the opportunity to work with Popovich and witness how big a person he was outside the basketball world.
It took some time for Mills to adapt to the American lifestyle. After spending his whole childhood in Australia, moving to the States is a pretty big step. Having played two years of college basketball, Mills decided it was time for the NBA. He was selected 55th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers , but unfortunately, he didn't find his spot there. His luck turned around when he signed with the Spurs. He fit into the system and the city of San Antonio perfectly, all because of Popovich.
" Coach Pop has been a massive part of my basketball career, but I think more importantly, my adulthood in America. He's had my back on so many different occasions," said Mills. "He's been through a lot – the good, the bad, the ugly. And he's been there throughout it all."
It is safe to say that Coach Pop made Mills' time in the NBA way easier and more pleasant. As Patty recalls, a special thing about Popovich is that he treats everyone on his team that way. He doesn't single anyone out and treats all of his players the same. For Mills, it wasn't so much about basketball as it was about the healthy relationship Pop had with all of them.
" The best that I think about Pop is that no matter who is on his team, he cares about every single player that's on his team. You feel that as a player walking into that locker room. And for me to be there for that time, just incredibly grateful for him," explained Mills.
Popovich helped Mills improve on the court and found him a great role, which eventually led to a ring. Even though it means a lot to the Australian point guard, what Coach Pop enabled for him off the court goes beyond basketball. And that is something Patty will cherish forever.
" I think the point that I'm making is that it's all off the court. At the end of the day, it's got nothing to do with basketball," said Mills.
Mills is definitely not the only player who feels this way about Popovich. For almost three decades, Coach Pop was so dedicated to his job. So when people say he is the greatest coach of all time, they have every right. Not necessarily for awards and championships, but definitely for taking care of all players and helping them with stuff outside of sport.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Sep 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
