The Spurs and Gregg Popovich have been synonymous with each other for the reason that 1996-97 NBA season. That is why there was a lot uncertainty across the franchise when the longtime head coach took a leave of absence in early November to recuperate from a gentle stroke.
Fortunately for the Spurs, Popovich’s assistant coach, Mitch Johnson, has completed an amazing job since taking on the clipboard. On Thursday, the Spurs improved to 18-19 below Johnson — and 20-22 general — with a 140-110 rout of the Pacers within the ongoing Paris Video games. A sub-.500 document is nothing to write down residence about, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an enchancment from final season when the Spurs completed 22-60, lacking the postseason for a fifth consecutive 12 months.
As such, the Spurs are on monitor to return to relevancy below the management of Johnson, who sat below Popovich’s studying tree for 5 years earlier than being entrusted into the top teaching job. Even the Spurs gamers notice Johnson is the voice the locker room wanted within the wake of Popovich’s abrupt well being subject.
“Mitch has completed an amazing job, together with our entire teaching employees,” Chris Paul told reporters in Paris. “If you’re in a scenario like that, getting thrust right into a head-coaching place, you’ve got already constructed belief with guys as a result of he was numerous occasions the man who was working guys out, coaching guys and whatnot, so he is completed an incredible job.”
Paul cited Johnson’s school profession at Stanford as a purpose for him to narrate to gamers and thereby command their respect.
“He coaches with ardour,” Paul stated of Johnson. “You possibly can inform Mitch used to hoop, as some extent guard at Stanford. He coaches with ardour and I feel that feeds our staff. There’s numerous belief there, numerous communication, and nice for me to have the ability to play for him.”
If and when Popovich, who will flip 76 on Jan. 28, decides to experience off into the sundown, the Spurs have seemingly unearthed the Corridor of Famer’s alternative.
The Spurs are going by means of a difficult time of their franchise historical past. Regardless of lacking the playoffs for 5 consecutive seasons, there’s rising optimism that they’ll return to title rivalry whereas constructing off the extraordinary abilities of Victor Wembanyama. To that finish, Johnson has additionally been burdened with the duty of fast-tracking the event of Wemby, a task he has excelled in.
The Spurs will once more play the Pacers on Saturday on the Accor Enviornment in Paris. They return residence to host the Clippers on Tuesday.
