For 29 years, Gregg Popovich was the steady hand guiding the San Antonio Spurs. After the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, Popovich signed a five-year contract extension. Last November, however, he suffered a stroke, did not return to the sidelines, and officially retired at the end of the season.
He still holds the title as president of basketball operations, “El Jefe,” he calls himself. However, he seems comfortable taking a back seat, passing on the torch to Mitch Johnson, who stepped up in his absence last season.
No current NBA player has ever suited up without Popovich pacing the sidelines, and for the Spurs, the transition to a new coach marks a new chapter.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 03: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs is all smiles as he talks to head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio during the game against the Portland Trailblazers in the second half at AT&T Center on April 03 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Keldon Johnson Reacts to Popovich Appearance
On October 6th, Popovich was spotted at practice watching players get shots up and chatting with Carter Bryant and Jeremy Sochan. Last time he publicly appeared, he was flanked by Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, still clearly recovering physically from his stroke, although he was mentally sharp.
In some pictures released from practice, Popovich appeared to be moving under his own power without any aid and was offering advice to some of the youngest players on the team.
Keldon Johnson is the longest-tenured Spur. He was hand-picked by Popovich to be an injury replacement on the Tokyo Olympics team, where the pair won a gold medal. Johnson was thrilled to see Pop.
“He looks amazing,” praised the forward at practice. “It always puts a smile on my face seeing him here. He brings that energy, that different type of energy. I mean, for me, this is my first year without Pop. So it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. I’ve been nervous. This is probably my first training camp in a long time, probably since my rookie year, where I’ve been really nervous, don’t really know what to expect.”
The Spurs have made it clear that Mitch Johnson is putting his own stamp on training camp and the preseason, although Popovich’s influence is still apparent.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: Acting head coach Mitch Johnson talks with Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Have Total Faith in Mitch Johnson
Johnson was thrown into the fire as acting head coach last season, accumulating a record of 32-45, although 36 of those games were without Victor Wembanyama. Johnson was hand-picked by Popovich and general manager Brian Wright to lead the Spurs, and his players have bought into his system.
“Mitch has done an amazing job,” gushed Keldon. “I feel like he’s really doing his thing. I mean, I trust Mitch. Everybody trusts Mitch, and I’m excited.”
Wembanyama is by far the most important player on the roster. Wemby has long idolized Popovich, and he sees his traces at every practice, even as Johnson adds his own style and methods.
“Of course, there are differences,” said Wembanyama of the two coaches. “But I also see the old traditions. We do some very hard, focused drills, you know, and if we miss, we run, you know, and that just smells like Pop.”
With a healthy roster and more certinanty this season, the Spurs are expected to take a massive step forward.
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