Spurs, in times of change: Mitch Johnson replaces Popovich

Greg Popovich spoke publicly for the first time since his stroke and said that “it is time” that Mitch Johnson is Spurs coach.

San Antonio – Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich narrowed it and then attracted him to himself to hug him.

And with this, the torch was officially delivered. There is a new era in San Antonio. Popovich spoke publicly on Monday for the first time since he suffered a stroke six months ago, saying at the press conference where the San Antonio Spurs formally presented Johnson as their replacement that was the right time to make that movement.

“Things are improving every day, but it is not enough for what we plan,” said Popovich. “Then, it’s time to make this change.”

Flanked by the great figures of the Spurs, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, Popovich, 76, spoke with much more softness than in the past and said that his health is improving and that he fully believes in Johnson.

Popovich will remain with the Spurs as president of the team, while the leadership of the team will continue in the hands of executive director RC Buford and General Manager Brian Wright. “The ideals of the team will not csambiar,” said Popovich.

“The objective is none other than to make us go ahead,” said Popovich, added that he will do everything possible to help Johnson in the future.

Popovich took off his jacket before taking Johnson to the podium, revealing a shirt with his new title: “The boss”

“I’m no longer a coach,” said Popovich. “I’m ‘the boss.'”

Johnson took a seat in front of the microphone moments later, not before Popovich reminded those present that “he will do a great job.”

Johnson looked in the direction of Popovich and breathed deeply.

“I feel honored for this opportunity and even more grateful for the people with whom I can collaborate and serve,” said the new Spurs coach.

Popovich’s public appearance was a surprise. Surrounded by a large number of players from the past and the present of the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama at the head, Popovich entered the practice facilities shortly before the managing partner Peter J. Holt spoke to open the press conference.

Holt was hard for the words; The emotion of the day was very clear.

“I can’t be him or ‘the boss,” Johnson said when he was asked what would accept Popovich. But I can commit to people and relationships. “That can imply screaming and demand accounts, and also hug someone and love him. He did better than anyone who has remained out. I will try to do it in my way, whatever he is from now on.”

Popovich, the victorious leader of all NBA, someone who trained the Spurs from 1996 until now and won five NBA titles in that period, spoke for about seven minutes, starting telling some jokes, which is not uncommon in it.

He also became reflective, sometimes even a bit emotional. He suffered a stroke on November 2, hours before the Spurs played against the Minnesota Timberwolves that night. Johnson assumed the position of interim coach during the last 77 games of the season and his promotion was formally announced on Friday.

“I can never express the gratitude I feel for so many people who care about the organization and send me thoughts and prayers, that kind of thing, since I suffered this stroke. Things are improving every day, but they are not enough for what we plan, so it is time to make this change,” said Popovich.

He also had time to thank several of the people involved in their rehabilitation, some of whom were at Monday’s press conference at the team’s training installation, “The Rock At La Cantera.”

“Timmy and Manu have been here in all my rock training,” Popovich added. They say it’s because they love me and want to be there in case I fall and should help me, that kind of thing. I call it revenge. They give new ideas to rehabilitation to do something to me. They do not deceive anyone.

Popovich thanked the former players and coaches for being there, and stressed that all in the organization of the Spurs, including those who take the dead times during the game, those in the ticket office, the concierge, the window cleaners and more, play a role in the success of the team. He also praised fans for their support years and promised that the Spurs will not disappoint them.

“We all have a role to play in this,” said Popovich. “It’s not just about players and coaches.”

The basic principles of the Spurs (doing things in the right way, honoring continuity and always welcoming the former players) will remain in force, said Johnson.

“The theme of the book does not change,” he concluded.