The Spurs' Gregg Popovich retires

Between the lines: After the Spurs landed French phenom Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, Popovich appeared poised to lead the team to yet more success — but the coach suffered a stroke in November and never returned to the court.

The intrigue: He became something more than a basketball coach in recent years, using his position to criticize President Donald Trump.

By the numbers: Popovich led the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff seasons from 1998 to 2019, including winning at least 50 games in 18 straight campaigns.

• His players included David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Kawhi Leonard.

What they're saying: "While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement.

What's next: Popovich will remain involved with the organization as the team's president of basketball operations.

• Mitch Johnson, who had been named acting head coach last fall, now takes over head coaching duties on a permanent basis.
• Johnson inherits a young, promising team — but the major question mark is the trajectory of Wembanyama, whose season ended in February after the discovery of a blood clot.