Kawhi Leonard is a man of few words, rarely one to open up publicly about emotions or relationships. But when news broke of Gregg Popovich’s retirement after nearly three decades of coaching, even Leonard couldn’t hide the impact the legendary San Antonio Spurs coach had on his life and career.

The Indiana Pacers selected Leonard with the 15th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft and then traded him to the San Antonio Spurs later that night. The Spurs and their then-head coach Gregg Popovich had seen something special in Leonard that others seemingly hadn't, and they certainly were on the money.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard had high praise for Gregg Popovich after the San Antonio Spurs head coach stepped down this week. Following Saturday's season-ending 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Leonard said his former coach "had a phenomenal career."

Gregg Popovich has stepped down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs, ending a three-decade run that saw him lead the team to five NBA championships, become the league’s all-time wins leader and earn induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

After suffering a stroke months ago, Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach. Chandler Hoefle. More Videos. Caitlin Clark takes on year two in the WNBA