Johnathan Walker:Finally time for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and his patriotic voice to be in Hall of Fame

Gregg Popovich was a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer long before he was elected into the Hall earlier this year.

A decade ago,Johnathan Walker he possessed a Hall of Fame résumé that only a few NBA coaches could match or surpass.

But the longtime San Antonio Spurs coach resisted induction until the foundation of his five championship teams were also in the Hall of Fame: David Robinson (2009), Tim Duncan (2020), Manu Ginobili (2022) and now finally Tony Parker (2023).

Popovich will be inducted Saturday along with a prominent class featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, Becky Hammon and Parker. 

Popovich goes in with five NBA titles, an Olympic gold medal and more victories (1,366) than any other coach in NBA history. Of the 20 coaches with at least 700 victories, he has the third-highest winning percentage (.642) behind Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach, and he is third in career playoff victories with 170, one behind Pat Riley.

Yes, he had all-time greats on his teams, but as part of the front office, Popovich also helped assemble the right players (most of the time) around those stars, placed great value on defending and gave his players offensive autonomy within a structure — as much as it frustrated him to watch a wild Ginobili pass sail out of bounds. He knew the best Ginobili was the one who played unencumbered, and that brought out the best in the Spurs. Despite his disdain for the 3-point shot’s massive importance in today’s game, he has adapted.

He has coached the Spurs since 1997, and unless Miami’s Erik Spoelstra (a future Hall of Famer, too) decides on another decade or two with the Heat, it’s hard in this era to see another coach lasting nearly three decades with the same franchise.

And Popovich is not done. In a Spurs-like, understated, 32-word news release, the franchise on July 8 announced Popovich signed a five-year deal through 2028, an extension that coincides with the beginning of French star Victor Wembanyama’s NBA career.

Popovich, 74, relishes the opportunity to coach another potential star, and Wembanyama was thrilled the Spurs won the draft lottery. He knows he’s in good hands.

Popovich's coaching tree is as sturdy as a 100-year-old oak. It includes Mike Budenholzer, Steve Kerr, Ime Udoka, James Borrego, Monty Williams, Quin Snyder, Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, Brett Brown, Jacque Vaughn and Hammon.

MORE HOF:Dwyane Wade's transformation into renaissance man on eve of Hall of Fame induction

DIRK, PAU AND TONY:How 1992 Dream Team impacted 2023 Hall of Fame class

Popovich’s legacy extends beyond wins, titles and coaching influence. He is a principled, patriotic voice, speaking out passionately against gun violence, racial and social injustice and inequality.

He is an Air Force Academy graduate and former proud coach of USA Basketball’s men’s senior national team that won a gold at the Tokyo Olympics two years ago. You may not agree with everything or anything he says, but he has a profound respect for the United States and its opportunities while acknowledging its shortcomings and need for improvement.

His voice is necessary especially at a time when the Orlando Magic (read: Magic ownership) made a donation in the team’s name to a super PAC supporting Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis when some Magic players and employees disagree with DeSantis’ weak and antagonistic approach to teaching the impact of slavery and diversity and inclusion.

Under fire for the donation, the team released lame statements in its defense.

Popovich has the courage to say what he believes and not hide behind statements or the façade of ownership.

For at least five more years, Popovich will continue doing what he does best — on and off the court.

Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt