
OKC remain title betting faves; Spurs, C's follow
Oklahoma City Thunder favored to win NBA Finals, Spurs and Celtics follow closely.
Gregg Popovich continues to influence the San Antonio Spurs as they head into the NBA Playoffs, despite stepping down as head coach. His guidance has been crucial in developing star player Victor Wembanyama and achieving a strong season with 62 wins.
Mentioned in this story
How Gregg Popovich plays a pivotal role in Spurs, Victor Wembanyama NBA Playoffs run originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nothing will keep a man away from his passion. In November of 2024, Coach Gregg Popovich had to slowly let go of his beloved head coaching post in the San Antonio Spurs system. Coach Mitch Johnson took over in helping develop Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. They also added De'Aaron Fox to the squad and are now off to the NBA Playoffs.
One might think that Coach Popovich would have fully called it quits but he has still been helping the Spurs.
Whether it is because he is having withdrawals from his 30-year career or really wanted to lead Victor Wembanyama to another Spurs dynasty, Coach Gregg Popovich has not stopped. He is still very adamant at helping his squad and it paid off as they have 62 wins as the second seed entering the NBA Playoffs.
Coach Popovich is in contact with nearly all of the Spurs and they revealed what pieces of advice they have taken from him, via Jared Weiss of The Athletic.
"He looks amazing. He’s doing great. It’s always good to see him. He stays in touch. He texts me or calls me from time to time, probably every other day. But at the same time, he’s very encouraging, telling me that he’s proud of me and things like that. I mean, he’s definitely still himself. He’s still sharp. He’s still very much Pop. He has not skipped a beat at all," declared.
Gregg Popovich provides valuable advice and mentorship to the Spurs, particularly in developing Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs achieved 62 wins, securing the second seed entering the NBA Playoffs.
Mitch Johnson has taken over as head coach of the Spurs following Gregg Popovich's transition.

Oklahoma City Thunder favored to win NBA Finals, Spurs and Celtics follow closely.
Brentford and Fulham end in a goalless draw; Silva shares thoughts.
2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds are now official for the top 14 teams!
Netflix is looking to expand its partnership with the NFL, exploring new content opportunities.
Will the Seahawks draft running back Jadarian Price from Notre Dame?
Jesse Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas fight set for June 13 in Arizona. Stream on DAZN!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Notably, Coach Mitch Johnson is still following the same formula that Coach Popovich used to win five Larry O'Brien trophies. He has a dominant big man like Wembanyama, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson. His guards are also crafty playmakers capable of defending multiple positions or popping off on offense like Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Bruce Bowen.
Coach Popovich even dropped some advice to Stephon Castle entering the NBA Playoffs.
"He’s helped me and a lot of the other guys on the team, just having somebody to talk to. Whether games are going good, games are going bad, just knowing Pop, he’ll always tell you the real. Just keep in my head. Not really going off result-based things. Really just trying to use the process and understanding what got us in those positions," the second-year Spurs guard said.
There will always be a soft spot that has the Spurs etched on it in Coach Popovich's heart. Hopefully, he is able to celebrate Wembanyama, Castle, and Johnson winning their own championship in the coming NBA Playoffs.