San Antonio, Texas – After San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich faced a health issue that kept him from coaching the team, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has stepped in as the interim coach, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The situation arose before the Spurs’ recent victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Popovich was absent from the bench due to an undisclosed illness.
Johnson, who began his coaching career with the Austin Spurs in 2016 before moving on to San Antonio in 2019, has steadily worked his way up the coaching staff. With the departure of key coaches like Tim Duncan, Becky Hammon, and Will Hardy, Johnson has gained valuable experience in preparation for moments like these.
Despite the Spurs being in a rebuilding phase with a young roster, Popovich’s legacy in the NBA remains unmatched. With five championships and a record 1,391 wins in the regular season, Popovich is considered one of the greatest head coaches in league history. The recent success of landing top draft pick Victor Wembanyama has injected new energy into the team, leading to renewed optimism for the future.
As the Spurs navigate through the current season, the focus remains on developing their young talent while potentially making strides on the court. Johnson’s leadership in Popovich’s absence has been praised by players like Chris Paul, highlighting the seamless transition in the coaching staff. With Popovich’s long-term contract secured ahead of the 2023-24 season, there is stability and continuity in leadership despite the ongoing health concerns.
While Popovich’s presence on the sidelines is missed, the Spurs are adapting to the temporary coaching change and remain focused on their goals for the season. Johnson’s role as interim coach showcases the depth of talent within the organization and the team’s ability to overcome challenges as they work towards building a competitive team for the future.