SAN ANTONIO – Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook him, then he pulled him in a hug.
And with this, the torch had officially passed. It is a new era in San Antonio.
Popovich publicly spoke on Monday for the first time since he suffered a stroke six months ago, telling the press conference in which the Spurs Johnson formally introduced as its substitute That time was right to make that move.
“Things are improving day by day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan in advance,” said Popovich. “So, it’s time to make this change.”
Flanked by the greats of the spurs Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old popovich-I am much more sweet than in the past-he said that his health is improving and that he fully believes in Johnson.
Popovich will remain with the Spurs as president of the team and the team leadership – including CEO RC Buford and the general manager Brian Wright – is not changing. Nor the ideals of the team said Popovich.
“This is the goal, make sure to continue,” said Popovich, adding that he will do everything possible to help Johnson to go on.
Popovich took off his jacket before bringing Johnson to the podium, revealing a shirt with his new title: “El Jefe”, he said, the Spanish phrase for “The Boss”.
“I’m no longer a coach,” said Popovich. “I’m ‘El Jefe.”
Johnson sat in a microphone a few moments later, not before Popovich reminded of these present that “he will do an excellent job”.
Johnson looked in the direction of Popovich and made a deep breath.
“I am honored by this opportunity and even more humiliated by the people with whom I will be able to collaborate and serve,” said the new coach of the Spurs.
Popovich’s public aspect was a bit a surprise. Surrounded by a series of passed and present spurs – Victor Wembanyama Currently – Popovich entered the practice structure just before the CEO partner Peter J. Holt spoke to open the press conference.
Holt fought to get the words out sometimes, the emotion of the day is very clear.
“I can’t be him or” El Jefe, “said Johnson when he was asked what he will take from Popovich.” But to be able to commit and invest in people and relationships – which can be to scream and make someone responsible, and this may be to put the arm around someone’s shoulder and love them – and he did it better than anyone who has ever walked aside. And I will try to do it in my own way, whatever you seem to go on. “
Popovich-the leader of the victories of all time of the NBA, someone who has trained the Spurs since 1996 until now and has won five NBA titles in that interval-spoke for about seven minutes, starting by making some jokes, which is not rare for him.
It has also become reflective, sometimes even a little emotional. He suffered the stroke on November 2, hours before the Spurs played the Minnesota timberwolves That night. Johnson took over as an acting coach for the last 77 games of the season and his promotion was formally announced on Friday.
“I can never express the gratitude I have so many people who care about the organization and send me thoughts and prayers, that kind of things, since I had this stroke,” said Popovich. “Things are improving day by day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan in advance, so it’s time to make this change.”
Popovich also thanked many of those involved in his rehabilitation, some of whom were at the press conference on Monday at the training structure of The Rock to the team team.
“Timmy and Manu have been here for all my workouts here in The Rock,” said Popovich. “They say it is because they love me and they want to be there in case they fall and want to take me, that kind of thing. I call it a refund. They give people of rehabilitation new ideas to do for me. Nobody are making fun of.”
Popovich thanked former players and coaches to be there and observed that everyone in the Spurs-Comparti organization The artists of Timeout in-Game, those of the ticket office, the custodians, the banks of windows and more-svate 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 part in this,” said Popovich. “It’s not just players and coaches.”
The fundamental principles of the Spurs – doing things in the right way, honoring continuity, which always welcome the former players in the fold – will remain in force, said Johnson.
“The theme of the book is not changing,” said Johnson.