SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 29: Pau Gasol #16 and Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talk during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 29, 2018 at the ATT Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or us ing this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images In a recent interview, retires basketball player Pau Gasol sat down and shared that working with Gregg Popovich was a factor in his decision to join the San Antonio Spurs later in his career. Pau Gasol says one of the main reasons for signing with the Spurs was to be coached by Pop and experience the Spurs culture. On what he appreciated about Coach Pop beyond the Xs and Os:“Pop was also very caring about the social aspect. Understanding that we all had a platform,… pic.twitter.com/OUnN1onvdO— Wemby Alien Era (@WembyAlienEra) July 23, 2026 “Pop was also very caring about the social aspect. Understanding that we all had a platform, that that was important to have perspective of what was going on. That basketball was kind of our job, but what’s truly important is family, what’s truly important is giving back and being aware and sensitive to social injustices, to what’s going on and how we can affect our communities. So I appreciated those messages more than the basketball itself.” Gasol played with the Spurs over three seasons before a stress fracture limited his play in his third year. He won two titles with the Lakers. He’s been celebrated in the NBA as well as overseas. His career is adorned with multiple FIBA and Liga awards. Since retirement, Gasol has increased his involvement UNICEF, St. Jude’s, and his own Gasol Foundation. Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here. Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language. ...read more read less