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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
Forced to retire due to health problems, Gregg Popovich has chosen his successor with care. Mitch Johnson will have to take over, and he was able to count on strong words from the coaches’ GOAT.
Gregg Popovich wasn’t just a coach in San Antonio, he was and still is an icon. A five-time champion with the Spurs, he stood out not only for his tactical acumen, but also for his people skills. He knew when to shout at his players, and he knew when to show them he loved them. It was no coincidence that he was so well accompanied on Monday, in his first public appearance since his stroke.
The entire Spurs team escorted Gregg Popovich to his first press conference since suffering a stroke in November.pic.twitter.com/2KuIOy0oQP
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 5, 2025
Gregg Popovich welcomes Mitch Johnson to San Antonio
Coach Pop was a real father figure to his players, something we may never see again in the NBA. In any case, Mitch Johnson will have his work cut out to ensure his successor’s success, even if he has the personnel to get off to a good start. In fact, when he was sworn in, his mentor gave him the thumbs-up. The torch has officially been passed in Texas:
I’m getting better every day, but still not good enough to go where the franchise wants to go. We’ve got to have someone who’s 100% in charge of the team, and that’s what it deserves. Mitch Johnson is going to be the coach who forges the Spurs’ future, and I’m going to do everything I can to help him. I have every confidence in him to continue what was started many years ago.
I know that the Spurs play an important role in San Antonio and we’ll never forget that. We’re not going to win every game, but we’re going to try to do it, always with class. Mitch started in the G League, then he was behind the bench, now he’s on the bench. He’s been fantastic in my absence given the circumstances. The players respect him. It says a lot that all the players are here today.
At the end of the regular season, Mitch Johnson was often questioned by fans who didn’t always understand his choices and rotations. The big boss, Gregg Popovich, set the record straight in just a few sentences. He has chosen his successor, he knows the role perfectly, so we have to trust him.
