Q: Ira, Gregg Popovich just retired. Do you think Pat Riley will follow his lead? – Anderson.

A: Apples to oranges. Gregg Popovich, at 76 and recovering from a stroke, came to appreciate the rigors of the road and what such a life could be at his age, if he were even able to make a coaching return. Pat Riley, now 80, made that coaching decision 17 years ago, after previously making it as coach in 2003. Front-office life is far different, which is why Gregg Popovich believes such a shift is possible. There are no known physical limitations keeping Pat Riley from doing the job, and, for that matter, which might not be the case with Gregg Popovich, from doing it on site at the team’s headquarters. Sometimes life makes the decision for you. Pat Riley does not appear to be at that stage. But, as with Gregg Popovich, when a Riley decision does come, it almost assuredly will be on his terms.

Q: No one said anything when Gregg Popovich’s teams lost. Erik Spoelstra deserves the same respect. – Andrew.

A: The difference is when Gregg Popovich’s Spurs lost after their championship era, they really lost, losing to the lottery depths of Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell. For a pair of teams known for their cultures, the Spurs showed the willingness to take a deep dive in the standings when needed. That, in many ways, differentiates the most recent Gregg Popovich era in San Antonio to the ongoing Pat Riley era in Miami.

Q: So do we retire Gregg Popovich’s number, too? – Wesley.

A: This, of course, comes from the mocking of the Heat retiring Michael Jordan’s number in honor of his contributions to the game. And, no, there will be no such similar hoisting of a Gregg Popovich blazer to the rafters at Kaseya Center (I don’t think). But just as there was enduring organizational respect from the Heat for Jordan, so has there been similar esteem for Popovich. Losing the 2014 NBA Finals was a franchise-shifting blow to the Heat, but one that also came with significant homage for Popovich’s approach to the game. Those two NBA Finals against the Spurs were played with great reverence and respect.

Originally Published: May 3, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT