On a day that meant so much to so many in San Antonio and among Spurs fans, Gregg Popovich summed up an afternoon with one simple phrase.

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.

As Gregg Popovich stepped down from his post as San Antonio Spurs coach and transitioned to a front office role as the team's president this week, endless tributes for the winningest coach in NBA history followed.