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.

For the first time in 29 years, the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs will not be Gregg Popovich. The Hall of Famer stepped away from the post, taking a front office position. His replacement, Mitch Johnson, who served as Popovich's interim as he dealt with health issues this season, has big shoes to fill on the sideline.