When Gregg Popovich gave a $5,000 tip to a server in Memphis

Gregg Popovich is not only regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time; he is also an excellent individual who has performed numerous acts of kindness. Many of them have gone undocumented, but one has an actual receipt as proof. In 2017, Pop left a $5,000 tip for a server at McEwen's Memphis.

Pop's massive $5,000 tip

The receipt, dated April 21, 2017, matches with the bigger picture. Around this time, the 2017 NBA Playoffs had just begun.

The San Antonio Spurs were matched up against the seventh-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. In the middle of the series, Popovich might have dropped by for a late dinner at McEwen's Memphis, known for their wine selection.

The restaurant did not confirm if it was really coach Pop who left the massive tip. However, they did say that the Spurs legend has dropped by the establishment multiple times.

More than a sport

Popovich treats strangers as well as he treats his players. Take DeMar DeRozan's departure from the Toronto Raptors as an example.

Pop knew the move did not happen on good terms, as the guard was not consulted at all. This left a bitter taste in DeRozan's mouth. He felt as if the things he did for the franchise and for the country were taken for granted.

Knowing how heartbreaking the trade was for DeMar, Popovich spent ample time with the Compton native. According to Gregg, consoling six-time All-Star was something he had to do, not just as a coach, but as a friend.

"It was just getting to know somebody," Popovich said. "The basketball court is one thing, but I don't think guys really give totally unless they really believe that you care about them. Knowing what he went through with that trade, I wanted him to know that we cared."

There are many more great Pop stories out there that have yet to be told. When he bids goodbye to the game, we'll hear more of them from his former players, colleagues, and maybe random fans and servers.

Related: Robert Horry on why he would rather play for Gregg Popovich than Phil Jackson: "He treats everybody the same on the team, whether you're a starter or the 12th man"