Spurs coach Gregg Popovich paid homage to Bob Bass in a statement released by the team Saturday.

Bass, who spent 20 seasons with the Spurs from 1974 through 1994, most notably as general manager, died Friday night after suffering a series of strokes the last two weeks. He was 89.

“Over the course of four decades, Bob Bass had a huge impact in both the ABA and the NBA,” Popovich said. “BB was a true pioneer in the world of professional basketball. His knowledge, passion and dedication to the game were inspiring. We send our condolences to the entire Bass family.”

Bass was general manager when then-Spurs owner B.J. “Red” McCombs hired Popovich in 1988 as Larry Brown’s top assistant. Popovich spent four seasons with the Spurs before joining the Golden State Warriors as an assistant in 1992 after the firing of Brown.

Popovich returned to the Spurs to become GM and vice president of basketball operations after Bass left the Spurs to join the Charlotte Hornets as GM in 1994.

Bass spent nine seasons with the Hornets, who never had a losing season during his tenure. He was named NBA executive of the year in 1997, giving him a bookend to go along with the executive award he won with the Spurs in 1990.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of former Hornets GM Bob Bass,” began a tweet from the Hornets released Saturday. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of former-Hornets GM Bob Bass, who passed away yesterday at age 89.”

Bass spent seven seasons in Charlotte and was named the 1997 NBA Executive of the Year.

Per his wishes, the family will have a private service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Boysville, 8555 E. Loop 1604, Converse, Texas, 78109.

Ginobili announcement? The older brother of Manu Ginobili hinted Saturday the Spurs guard could announce this week whether he plans to play another season.

“The 20th hasn’t even reported if he’s still playing. I imagine there will be news next week,” Sepo Ginobili said at a basketball clinic, per a tweet from Spanish-language broadcaster Carlos Altamirano.

Ginobili, 41, is under contract for the 2018-19 season, which would be his 17th season with the Spurs.

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