Gregg Popovich has become a coaching legend not only because of his success, but also because of the countless coaches he has trained.

Among them is Becky Hammon who recently told a nice anecdote about him.

At 75 years old, no one knows how much longer Gregg Popovich will officiate on an NBA bench.

The draft of Victor Wembanyama has probably pushed back his retirement by a few years, especially when you see how well the two get along on and off the court.

He should probably stay with the Spurs for a few more seasons, barring a major upheaval.

Once the tactician decides to hang up his boots, however, it will be a real page of history that will turn in the big league.

Popovich has been the Texans’ orchestra conductor for 28 years now, having taken over the reins in 1996. Since that day, he has helped to create some absolute legends of the orange ball, like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Quite a resume.

But Pop has not only developed players, he also leaves behind an incredible coaching legacy.

What do Mike Budenholzer, Ime Udoka, Steve Kerr and even Doc Rivers have in common? They were all on his staff at one point in their careers.

Over the decades, the man with the most regular-season wins (1,388!) has trained many strategists, and not just in the big leagues.

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Becky Hammon’s great anecdote about Gregg Popovich
While Ettore Messina has become a legend in Europe, Popovich has mainly trained a certain Becky Hammon.

The first female assistant on an NBA bench, the former player is now at the head of the steamroller that is the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. As she recently confided, her mentor continues to keep an eye on her even though her team has just lost quite a few games this season:

It’s funny because in San Antonio, we always had this joke where we said that when we lost, no one texted, no one called.

So I picked up the phone and he said: “Hello, how are you? I’m just calling to make you laugh, because I know no one calls.” He made me laugh, mission accomplished.

It’s true, no one calls you when you’re feeling down.

So that was the point of his call. He just wanted to know where I was mentally.

Then we talked about the different buttons to push. I know he’s always there if I need him.

A rather touching anecdote about the veteran coach, who knows perfectly what it’s like to have to manage the pressure within a successful franchise.

All the more reason for him to support his former disciples.

Becky Hammon is a two-time WNBA champion with the Aces, one of the best coaches on the planet, but Gregg Popovich is always there for her when things aren’t going well.

More than a mentor, the legendary Spurs coach acts like a father to most of those he has trained. It’s all to his credit.