Shaquille O’Neal has spent plenty of playoff nights going toe-to-toe with Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs. From heated Western Conference Finals to legendary matchups filled with elbows and big buckets, Shaq’s Lakers and Pop’s Spurs were rivals in every sense. But this past weekend, as tributes poured in for Popovich following news of his retirement, Shaq reminded everyone that the legendary coach’s legacy goes way beyond Xs and Os.
Before Game 7 between the Clippers and Nuggets on Saturday night, the Inside the NBA crew paused to salute Popovich—and Shaq dropped a personal story that had the entire panel speechless.
“I love the man for a different reason,” Shaq began. “Growing up in San Antonio, mom and dad didn’t have a lot of money for shoes. A pair of my shoes was raggedy, and somebody told my father that somebody on the Spurs wore size 22. I think it was Chuck Nevitt. So my father reached out to the Spurs.”
Turns out, Pop and Shaq’s dad were both military men, and when they connected, it was instant respect. Popovich didn’t hesitate—he sent a couple of pairs of size 22s to young Shaq. No questions asked, no favors expected. Just helping a family in need.
“Pop gave us a couple of pair of shoes. Never wanted anything. So I’ve always had admiration and respect for him,” Shaq said.
That simple act of kindness stuck with the Diesel for life.
“Legendary career,” Shaq added. “But just a better man. I’m sad we’re not gonna be seeing him on the court. Pop, thank you, brother. Appreciate you very much.”
Popovich officially stepped down as head coach of the Spurs on Friday, closing the book on a coaching run that will be talked about for generations. Over three decades in San Antonio, Pop led the Spurs to five NBA championships, racked up 1,422 wins (the most in league history), and mentored Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. He also coached Team USA to Olympic gold in Tokyo and became a beacon for leadership, integrity, and… well, grumpy sideline interviews.
Pop suffered a stroke back in November and coached only five games this season. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in and has now been named the new head coach as Pop transitions into a full-time role as team president.
Even in his final days as coach, Pop was still grinding. Chris Paul, who played for San Antonio this season, recalled seeing Popovich doing ball-handling drills before a shootaround. “I didn’t know how hard of a worker he was when it comes to training,” Paul said.
So while Pop’s resume is stacked with trophies and accolades, it’s those little things—the quiet gifts, the early morning drills, the free shoes for a young Shaquille O’Neal—that truly define his greatness.
From Shaq and everyone who’s crossed paths with him: Thank you, Pop.