When will we see Gregg Popovich on the edge of an NBA floor again? The San Antonio Spurs coach suffered a stroke in early November before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and has not appeared since. The Texan franchise has not yet given any return date. At 75 years old and having won everything, Gregg Popovich, in office since December 1996, will not take any risks with his health. After giving themselves time to think about the situation, the Spurs decided to communicate yesterday. First of all with a press release assuring that their coach “should make a full recovery”. Then through the voice of their General Manager, Brian Wright, who attended a pre-match press conference.
“He’s doing well, everyone knows what he’s like: he’s tough, a fighter,” explained the franchise’s sporting director about Popovich. We can’t wait for the moment when we can welcome him back, but in the meantime we will make sure that he has everything he needs, and give him the time and means to recover. » For the Spurs, this absence is a big blow: Popovich has been the face of the team since the mid-90s. It was under his leadership that the team won its 5 NBA championship titles.
“He has been the leader of this organization for the last three decades,” says Brian Wright. He is one of those who possess a special aura. We feel this leadership and this presence every day when we enter the training center. Not having him with us creates a big void. » Since his stroke on November 2, Gregg Popovich has not set foot in his franchise’s facilities. His only exchanges are limited to telephone calls with managers and members of his staff.
Assistants on the front line
This is how the Spurs will continue to operate: the young (37 years old) assistant Mitch Johnson will lead the team as he has done during the last seven meetings. One would have thought that another member of the staff, Brett Brown, could have taken the reins: aged 63, he has already managed an NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers (2013 to 2020). He will remain in the shadow of Mitch Johnson, even if the Spurs prefer to talk about “teamwork”.
“It’s not a single person who is going to step into Pop’s shoes,” assures Brian Wright. But it will be everyone’s job. We will all hang on together, each in their role. That’s what Pop would want. » The Spurs manager, however, ended up half-heartedly comforting Mitch Johnson, coach for around ten years but whose experience as a player is limited to university matches and G-League, the championship of the hopes of the NBA.
“Mitch and the staff have done a phenomenal job of continuing Pop’s vision for the team’s play,” notes Brian Wright. And the team is playing very well at the moment. Brett has a very good knowledge of our organization, and he does a great job helping and supporting Mitch. » Over time, the Spurs will re-evaluate whether or not changes to the team’s organization are necessary.
Wembanyama: “the best coach of all time”
A transitional period which does not seem to affect the players too much. “They are doing well, but that does not mean that this moment was not difficult for them,” notes the General Manager. I’m not sure there is another person, in any structure, not even in sports, who means as much as Pop to us. He is much more than a coach. He talks about more than basketball, he talks about life too, and the guys feel it. It’s important for their development, especially for a young group like ours. »
A feeling confirmed by Victor Wembanyama: “All coaches have their own personality, but he is not the best coach of all time for nothing,” declared the Frenchman. He brings something special. He knows everyone’s psychology perfectly. I was a little worried about him when I learned what happened to him, but I can very well imagine his state of mind at the moment: working like crazy to get back as quickly as possible. I trust him and those around him, I hope he won’t be away from us for too long. »
Popovich had notably decided to prolong the pleasure a little to be able to train this French giant who plays basketball like no one else before him. And Wemby was delighted to be able to count, for his progress, on one of the most recognized figures in the history of basketball, Olympic champion with Team USA in 2021 in particular. A priori, the two men have not yet finished their shared story.
