Call it sneaky. Call it prophetic. Regardless, you may now call it true. Victor Wembanyama hinted at his end-of-year media availability that if Gregg Popovich did not return as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, acting coach Mitch Johnson would take over, which was confirmed this week.
It went a little undetected. Probably because Wemby’s injury update, along with De’Aaron Fox’s, got center stage. Furthermore, the most painful coaching-related inquiries focused on the famous Popovich, whose health had been unknown after suffering a small stroke in early November.
“I trust the organization. I trust Pop to do everything he can to get his energy back. I also believe Mitch will evolve into that role. So, I believe we’re in good hands,” Wembanyama stated.
“We support each other throughout the corporation, so I’m not sure. I’m prepared for everything, and I’m confident the organization will make sound decisions,” Wemby said.
It set the tone as players voiced not only confidence in, but also praise for Johnson in interviews on the final day of the regular season.
Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox and Chris Paul share comments on Mitch Johnson.
De’Aaron Fox had lots to say about his current head coach.
“It’s really difficult to do. I’ve experienced coach firings before. Now, this is definitely different because of what happened to Pop,” the 27-year-old guard explained.
“You don’t want things to tumble off a cliff after something like that happens. I believe he’s done an excellent job of maintaining that, keeping morale high, the team together, and the locker room together,” Fox said, referencing to Johnson.
The 2023 All-Star, who is the Spurs’ second-leading scorer in the month and a half since joining the team via trade, mentioned a conversation with Johnson in early February.
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“I believe everyone respects Mitch. He’s been great since I’ve been here. We had a quick meeting the first day I arrived, just the two of us. I’ve had a great time playing for him.”
Fox’s ninth NBA season will be his first full season with Johnson, and the first with the 38-year-old fully in charge.
“I think he’s done an excellent job,” Fox said. “Obviously, especially with such a young team. It’s difficult to maintain such consistency throughout a full season, and it’s especially difficult when your coach is injured.
One of the team’s few true veterans agrees with Fox, who had his season cut short in mid-March due to a finger injury. It came a bit less than a month after Wembanyama was sidelined due to blood clots in his right shoulder.
“This year was a roller coaster, right?” Chris Paul just asked for confirmation.
“We were dealt a few knocks, including the news with Pop early in the season and Vic. But Mitch did an excellent job of controlling the situation, mentoring, and instructing. I can’t fathom how difficult it has been for him and the rest of our crew.”
The Spurs no longer have to wonder what life will be like with Johnson.
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