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."

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.

Shawnelle Scott played for Popovich during the 2000-2001 season. He is now a basketball coach and educator in New York.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr had mixed emotions as he reflected on the influence Gregg Popovich had on his life and career

Gregg Popovich may now be officially retired as a head coach, but he is still making his presence felt in this year’s NBA postseason.