Draymond Green Pays Tribute to Gregg Popovich In Emotional Video After NBA Icon's Exit

Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green was nearly moved to tears Friday while discussing longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich's retirement from coaching.

While discussing Popovich's decision to step away, Green said, "It sucks to see him go," before mentioning that he had "the ultimate honor" of playing under Popovich at the Olympics:

The Spurs announced Friday that Popovich was transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations. The 76-year-old spent 29 seasons as San Antonio's head coach, winning five NBA championships along the way.

Popovich suffered a mild stroke in November, which prompted him to step away from coaching. Mitch Johnson took over as acting head coach, and he was named the Spurs' full-time head coach on Friday.

At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which took place in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic, Popovich was the head coach of the United States men's basketball team.

With Popovich leading the way, a roster comprised of Green, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker and a host of other stars won the gold medal.

Green called Popovich "one of the most incredible human beings," noting that while he may come across as a "mean old man" to outsiders, he is actually "the nicest person you ever want to be around."

Green also mentioned that he cherished his pre-game hugs with Popovich ever since he got the chance to play for him at the Olympics.

"I just wish I had one last time to go hug him on the sideline before a game," Green said.

While Popovich's coaching career is over, he has left an indelible mark on the NBA, as the all-time leader in career regular-season coaching wins with 1,422, along with being third in career playoff wins and tied for third in championships as a head coach.

With Popovich riding off into retirement, Erik Spoelstra is now the NBA's longest-tenured, active head coach, having coached the Miami Heat since 2008.