UNCASVILLE, Conn. — For years, Gregg Popovich has rejected the notion that he deserves a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
He believed that others were more deserving and worthy of this esteemed honor in the world of basketball.
However, on Friday, it became evident that his undeniable impact on the game has led to him being recognized alongside other basketball legends.
Popovich, a five-time NBA champion, Olympic gold medal-winning coach, and the all-time leader in coaching wins, will join the illustrious 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame class.
“He wanted to make sure his guys went in first,” said Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo, referring to Popovich’s humility and respect for his colleagues. “He felt it would be inappropriate to jump the line in his mind. … I’m glad he decided this (year) would be it.”
One of those guys, Tony Parker, who played under Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs, jokingly commented on being inducted alongside his coach. “I just can’t get rid of him,” he said.
The class was honored with their Hall of Fame rings and jackets on Friday and will officially be enshrined in a ceremony on Saturday night in Springfield, Massachusetts.
During the induction ceremony, Parker will present Popovich alongside former Spurs stars and hall members David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili. Popovich considers their legacy more important than any personal achievements in his coaching career.
“My grandkids go to school with Tim Duncan’s children so it’s pretty special in that regard,” Popovich said. “It’s beyond basketball. That’s what sustains us when we move through life.”
Other notable inductees this year include the 1976 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, former coaches Gene Keady and Gary Blair, and junior college coach Gene Bess.
The interconnection of this year’s class is immense. For example, Parker won NBA titles playing under Popovich, while Gasol won titles playing alongside Kobe Bryant and finished his career with Popovich in San Antonio. Additionally, Becky Hammon, who became the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA under Popovich, coached the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces to a championship last season.
Wade, who battled against Popovich’s teams and played under him on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, is also part of the class. He is renowned not only for his basketball success but also for using his platform to speak out on important social issues.
This year’s class also highlights the influence of international players in the NBA, with the likes of Nowitzki, Gasol, and Parker inspiring a new wave of international talent in the league.
Finally, the class also pays tribute to the late Jim Valvano, who led North Carolina State to an improbable NCAA championship in 1983 and made significant contributions to broadcasting and cancer research.
While previous hall classes may have had comparable star power, the interconnectedness of this year’s group sets it apart.
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