With Popovich riding off into retirement, Erik Spoelstra is now the NBA's longest-tenured, active head coach, having coached the Miami Heat since 2008.

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.

The post garnered widespread responses from the NBA community, including fans, former and current players. Among them was LeBron James, a longtime admirer of Popovich, who shared the tribute on his Instagram story, accompanied by hand raise and heart emojis.