The post garnered widespread responses from the NBA community, including fans, former and current players. Among them was LeBron James, a longtime admirer of Popovich, who shared the tribute on his Instagram story, accompanied by hand raise and heart emojis.

Gregg Popovich, the three-time coach of the year, leaves an indelible mark on basketball that extends throughout the NBA and beyond.

Gregg Popovich understood the world. That goes back long before the basketball world knew who he was. It probably can be traced to at least Popovich’s time at the U.S.