San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich lauded former NBA star Zach Randolph after Randolph officially retired from the NBA.

Popovich called Randolph a gamer who “always brought it” while also crediting the big man for being such a unique player:

Randolph initially told TMZ Sports he was retiring on Thursday and confirmed the news on Twitter Saturday (h/t Michael C. Wright of NBA.com):

NBA veteran Zach Randolph delivered the news to TMZ Sports that he no longer planned to make a return to the league, and confirmed that information Saturday with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

“I gave this game my all, and it gave everything back and more,” Randolph wrote on social media. “Basketball will always be a part of me. From Marion, to East Lansing, to Portland, NY, LA, Memphis, Sacramento, and everyone in between – thank you all for an incredible journey.”

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Zach Randolph had been waived by the Dallas Mavericks after a trade from the Sacramento Kings in February. He finishes his career with averages of 16.6 and 9.1 rebounds to go along with a pair of All-Star appearances.

The 17-year veteran was one of the most effective post scorers in the league, though he often struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. Nevertheless, Randolph gave Popovich's Spurs fits.

He dominated during the Memphis Grizzlies' stunning upset of San Antonio during the 2011 Western Conference first round, scoring 31 points and adding 11 rebounds in the closeout Game 6. That dominance would continue in the conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, though the Grizzlies would eventually lose in seven games.

You know you were one of the best competitors in the history of the game when you draw praise from Gregg Popovich. Z-Bo was one of the toughest bigs in the modern era, and he will be remembered as such in retirement.