Spurs' Popovich says he'll keep coaching after Duncan retires

Future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich will always be inexorably linked, even in retirement, after leading the San Antonio Spurs to five championships over the past two decades.

However, the two Spurs icons aren't planning to walk off into the sunset together. Popovich told ESPN's Sage Steele on Tuesday that he will continue coaching even after the 39-year-old Duncan retires, as a promise to LaMarcus Aldridge.

"Signing LaMarcus, I had to make a commitment," Popovich said, as relayed by Sports Illustrated. "I couldn't say, 'LaMarcus, we would love to sign you, see you later.' So I committed to those guys and I committed to LaMarcus. So, I've got to fulfill my promise."

The 66-year-old Popovich is in the second year of a five-year extension with the Spurs. Meanwhile, Duncan is on the final year of his contract, and retirement is a very real possibility for the grizzled veteran who turns 40 next April.

Promises aside, there are plenty of reasons for Popovich to stick around even after his mainstays are gone. The Spurs have two stars to build around for the future between Kawhi Leonard and Aldridge, in addition to a deep cast of supporting pieces.

The Spurs' streak of 16-straight 50-win seasons doesn't have to end with Duncan, and Popovich will be around to facilitate the transition after the greatest power forward of all-time leaves the game.

Still, Popovich admitted that the prospect of coaching a team without his trusted trio of Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker will be strange.

"I will feel very weird walking out onto a court and not seeing Timmy or Manu or Tony out there," Popovich said. "(They are) kinda like my safety blanket or my comfort level. I'll miss them a lot."

After five championships and 18 seasons together, seeing Popovich without Duncan at his command, when the moment comes, will be equally strange for fans.