Mitch "Silky" Johnson - Appreciation Thread

[Mugen]

For the first time in forever, the Spurs have themselves a real coach. :toast

[GAustex]

Its addition by subtraction

[Dejounte]

My number one concern with this dude is that he has a follower mentality. He straight up said he isn’t Pop and can’t do what he does (paraphrasing). I’m not sure he has the confidence to be a long term coach. Also, I’d want my long term coach to be admired by players around the league and i’m not sure Mitch has those qualities. Maybe he does and we don’t know much about him yet.

I want the next coach to be more than the Pop tree coaches who are either out of the league or havent done much, that includes Bud, the bald guy that was in PHX and now in detroit (forgot his name), and even Udoka… like, I wish Mitch was some sort of prodigy like the Boston coach right now or Spoelstra. I’m not sure he is. Im not saying i want an established coach either. I just havent read anything about Mitch that makes him stand out other than hes been an assistant coach for Pop. He’s not some discovery from the video room or whatever.

[LeBowen]

Give Mitch this and the next season, should be enough to evaluate his qualities.
If he fails, get a proven name. I'd go for Kerr when Steph retires in 2026 or 2027.

[Mugen]

My number one concern with this dude is that he has a follower mentality. He straight up said he isn’t Pop and can’t do what he does (paraphrasing). I’m not sure he has the confidence to be a long term coach. Also, I’d want my long term coach to be admired by players around the league and i’m not sure Mitch has those qualities. Maybe he does and we don’t know much about him yet.

I want the next coach to be more than the Pop tree coaches who are either out of the league or havent done much, that includes Bud, the bald guy that was in PHX and now in detroit (forgot his name), and even Udoka… like, I wish Mitch was some sort of prodigy like the Boston coach right now or Spoelstra. I’m not sure he is. Im not saying i want an established coach either. I just havent read anything about Mitch that makes him stand out other than hes been an assistant coach for Pop. He’s not some discovery from the video room or whatever.

That was just public speak for the old man during the health issue. What's he supposed to say? "I know Pop just had a stroke but I'm going to be better than him in every way." :lol

His in-game coaching, rotations, and how the team has looked under his stead shows to me he's not just some lackey tbh.

[Mugen]

You can just see what the infusion of new blood at the head of the bench has done for the roster tbh.

There's a competitive edge we haven't seen since maybe Manu retired. It's no longer just the "Aw shucks, it's just basketball..." mentality.

What a breath of fresh air tbh.

[exstatic]

My number one concern with this dude is that he has a follower mentality. He straight up said he isn’t Pop and can’t do what he does (paraphrasing). I’m not sure he has the confidence to be a long term coach. Also, I’d want my long term coach to be admired by players around the league and i’m not sure Mitch has those qualities. Maybe he does and we don’t know much about him yet.

I want the next coach to be more than the Pop tree coaches who are either out of the league or havent done much, that includes Bud, the bald guy that was in PHX and now in detroit (forgot his name), and even Udoka… like, I wish Mitch was some sort of prodigy like the Boston coach right now or Spoelstra. I’m not sure he is. Im not saying i want an established coach either. I just havent read anything about Mitch that makes him stand out other than hes been an assistant coach for Pop. He’s not some discovery from the video room or whatever.

Spo and Mazulla were not admired around the league when hired, or even known. You get that by coaching, and you can’t coach until you have a job.

[Dejounte]

Spo and Mazulla were not admired around the league when hired, or even known. You get that by coaching, and you can’t coach until you have a job.

Both of those guys were still deliberately selected with careful thought and consideration. Mitch is just a guy that had to take the reins because they weren’t prepared for Pop’s stroke.

[LeBowen]

Both of those guys were still deliberately selected with careful thought and consideration. Mitch is just a guy that had to take the reins because they weren’t prepared for Pop’s stroke.

Pop is 75 and there had to be a plan for what happens after he's done.
If it was a panic solution, we would've seen Brett Brown in charge.
Mitch getting the job with no experience over an older coach says a lot.

Most all-time great coaches got thrown into the fire with no previous experience and did fine.
We obviously can't know if Mitch is the guy, but right now it's pointless to even debate it because he'll surely have until the end of the season to prove himself.

[Mugen]

Both of those guys were still deliberately selected with careful thought and consideration. Mitch is just a guy that had to take the reins because they weren’t prepared for Pop’s stroke.

Mitch being interim over Brett Brown leads me to believe there have been plans to make him the successor for a while.

And Mazulla became HC because of the whole Udoka scandal. He wasnt carefully picked until he needed to be tbh.

[RC_Drunkford]

He‘s doing a great job. Good game plan, gets after players. His half time adjustments have been impressive tbh. I wouldn‘t mind him taking the reigns.

[John B]

I always like finding that Coach from the video room story. One thing I noticed about Mitch is he listens to his players, like that time Keldon thought the ball wasn’t off him so they challenged the call, just to learn it brushed off Keldon’s knee or something and Mitch was smiling and Keldon was giving him the shrug like, “hey I thought it didn’t lol.” That was a funny moment to me. I love Pop but sometimes he’s a tough coach. Like he doesn’t want “special treatment” for Wembybfrom the referees if Dillon Brooks was being too rough, etc so Wemby can learn to toughen up. It works but sometimes you want to feel your coach got your back, which Pop does but he shows his tough love.

Mitch to me is perfect. I forever want my Spurs coach coming from that Pop tree. “This is the Spurs way” and that’s why we do things this way, never faltering from that philosophy. I want Mitch to be once again the genius from that Pop tree, like Bud or Ime or Kerr. And people would say, yup Spurs did it again! Go Mitch!

[TekXX]

:pop: "When i get off this ventilator I'm taking my job back and Mitch is going to get over himself"

[couchman]

Give Bassey some run over Collins and I might be sold.

[Obstructed_View]

I thought he was just a useless flunky, but if the old retard isn't there for him to have to defer to, he seems to do well. I hadn't seen a hard show by the big on defense since Timmy retired until last week.

[ambchang]

Mitch seems to be settling in. I have no beef against him so far and it’s way to early to say whether he’s the one or not.

That said, the spurs are playing like a different team since he took over. They are 7-5, which isn’t impressive on paper, but considering the injuries and the strength of the opponents they are doing ok. The early loss to the rockets, Dallas, and Utah were bad (rockets and Mavs due to the embarrassing fashion and Utah because it’s Utah), and going down bing vs Utah (again) and the warriors shouldn’t have happened in the first place. Even in a win letting the wiz score 130 is bad.

That said the offence is modernized. 3pa went from 33.6 a game to to 42 a game (sorry all by heart so calculation coil be wrong). 3p against went from 39 to 37.7 small drop but % went from 36.4% to 33.6%. Eye test confirmed it yet as the cuts and rotations opened up perimeter, while the decrease in drop coverage improved challenges at the 3 pt line. These are not ground breaking stuff as even the board has been calling it for a year, but to be able to implement these changes on the fly is a testament to his ability to lead and also the players ability to execute rather quickly. It also showed that perhaps they have been practising those sets earlier but didn’t break them out for whatever reason. Wild guess.

[DAF86]

It makes you wonder, would the Spurs be winning these games with Pop calling the shots instead of Mitch?

[Spurs Homer]

he never impressed me in summer league...so ill wait and see a bit longer before anointing him...

if he cuts zollins minutes in half and lets bassey take those minutes - it would serve the purpose of keeping all three of
wemby/zollins/bassey fresher and free of injuries...so im hoping he realizes that...

if he keeps branham on a very short leash...it would serve the team...

hope he continues to remain locked in...and on a separate topic - if zollins/branham/vassell could be packaged and traded for anything decent it would really help the team...

[RC_Drunkford]

It makes you wonder, would the Spurs be winning these games with Pop calling the shots instead of Mitch?

we would definitely have a worse record if the old man was coaching. I hope he gets healthy, but he should hand over the reigns. I said for years we'll win again once he steps down and you can see it already.

[Knoxxx]

As stated, the Spurs are playing close to .600 ball with Johnson which is WAAAAAY ahead of what we thought was their schedule. Like 15-20 wins more than expected. My Spurs colored glasses translate to a possible 50-win season, while I know some would say 40-45 is the best case.

Don't need to say much more than that, but I like his sideline demeanor and there seems to be evidence he may be strong both in Xs and Os as well as overall game strategy. The fact that he was Pop's current #2 gives him instant credibility both league wide and with our players. If Pop were not to come back due to health or hang it up after this season, MJ has the "spiritual leader" component seeming nailed down as the rightful successor to Pop.

[Knoxxx]

he never impressed me in summer league...so ill wait and see a bit longer before anointing him...

if he cuts zollins minutes in half and lets bassey take those minutes - it would serve the purpose of keeping all three of
wemby/zollins/bassey fresher and free of injuries...so im hoping he realizes that...

if he keeps branham on a very short leash...it would serve the team...

hope he continues to remain locked in...and on a separate topic - if zollins/branham/vassell could be packaged and traded for anything decent it would really help the team...

Wesley should also be on any trade wish list. Maybe we can offload 1-2 players along with CP3 for some kind of decent asset(s).

[NASpurs]

:pop: "When i get off this ventilator I'm taking my job back and Mitch is going to get over himself"

:lol I shouldn't be laughing at this but here I am

[Dejounte]

To think that an organization who’s known for doing classy things would trade away a player who’s making a huge impact to the team right now is laughable, tbh…

[Obstructed_View]

It makes you wonder, would the Spurs be winning these games with Pop calling the shots instead of Mitch?

Why would anyone wonder that?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

That was just public speak for the old man during the health issue. What's he supposed to say? "I know Pop just had a stroke but I'm going to be better than him in every way." :lol

His in-game coaching, rotations, and how the team has looked under his stead shows to me he's not just some lackey tbh.

Not playing Bassey last night was puzzling, but so far so good with Mitch.

[ginobilized]

Mitch is killing it! Almost every facet of the game has gotten better and is more fun to watch.
Players are improving game to game as is the team. What more do we need to see?
His reads of the game and decisions are a breath of fresh air. Just the sensibilities of his rotations is a vast improvement. No disrespect to Pop.

[DAF86]

Why would anyone wonder that?

In theory, Mitch is suppossed to still be running Pop's system and probably Pop's preferred rotation.

[Dverde]

I think Pop would have cut back Castle’s minutes when Tre returned, played Malaki a lot more too.

[Tyronn Lue]

When they can win on the road we'll discuss.

[Manu-of-steel]

I think that was because Bassey might clog the lanes. Mamu has a 3point threat, so IMO, he's a better choice against the warriors. I guess Bassey would have done better compared to zollins

[timtonymanu]

When they can win on the road we'll discuss.

They were getting wrecked at home last year too. This is easily an improvement.

[K...]

theres a non zero part of being chris paul and barnes being A+ vets, so even a comatose pop would still see some of these wins just based on the improvement to the guard rotation

[heyheymymy]

I am a huge Pop fan but I feel like MiJo has done a marvelous job so far.

I gotta admit, the control over the game product seems tighter and smoother. You'll be like, "damn, Spurs need a timeout here" and right then it's like chirp and there's Mitch Johnson calling the timeout. Cleaner rotations, more complimentary groups on the court together. The nerve to pull guys when they are coughing up the game for us. Just seems like a better basketball product due to his management.

MiJo has a better grasp on the reins of the game.

I also kinda like the situation because here is a guy who was sitting right there the whole time as #2 in command and how many times he goes back to the team hotel or on the team flight thinking like damn I would've done this or that differently. But he can't cause Pop is calling the shots. Well now here he is unrestrained and since he's been observing the team like right there up close for so long it is this combo of I know exactly what I'd do plus well now there's nothing stopping me from doing just that.

So I like these circumstances. The guy observing the whole ins and outs for years now thrust into it full hands on unexpectedly. But he knows intuitively the right things to do because he's been right there and kinda forced to observe this thing he's not allowed to reach out and affect personally but now that's all changed and he is unleashed completely and set to task. Let's see how it goes.

Get well soon, Pop.

[Tyronn Lue]

You have to think Pop is still orchestrating the rotations, and that Mitch has to explain some of his decisions, win or lose. I cannot imagine Pop going hands off.

[Mugen]

You have to think Pop is still orchestrating the rotations, and that Mitch has to explain some of his decisions, win or lose. I cannot imagine Pop going hands off.

Not sure if seriou ...the old man just had a stroke. I don't think he's phoning in rotations tbh.

[PhantomDashCam]

I was skeptical at first but I am definitely buying in now.

The Lakers game had me concerned because Davis seemed to get rolling when Wemby went to the bench (I would've preferred a matching substitution pattern).

The team clearly has more talent than the last few years but some of these half-time deficits would've turned into Auto Ls previously. Mitch J deserves a ton of credit.

[mudyez]

I gotta admit, that I'm still hoping for Becky to get the job eventually, but right now it's Mitchs to lose if Pop steps down (which I hope he doesn't now).

[Pauleta14]

ST recency bias at its finest! :lol

He's sill a Gleague level coach at best to me

[Mugen]

They would have lost the Warriors game and the Jazz game before that if the old man was coaching tbh. No doubt in my mind.

Dan Hurley just signed a 6y extension to stay at UCONN. I don't think there's anybody else I'd even consider that's available tbh.

Becky :lol

[exstatic]

They would have lost the Warriors game and the Jazz game before that if the old man was coaching tbh. No doubt in my mind.

Dan Hurley just signed a 6y extension to stay at UCONN. I don't think there's anybody else I'd even consider that's available tbh.

Becky :lol

Snyder in ATL and Will Hardy in Utah would be good choices. They both coach high level motion offenses.

[Mugen]

Snyder in ATL and Will Hardy in Utah would be good choices. They both coach high level motion offenses.

Are you serious?

Ex, stop. You're better than this :lol

[exstatic]

Are you serious?

Ex, stop. You're better than this :lol

HGzxMenCXvY

[Mugen]

:lol Stop

[Obstructed_View]

In theory, Mitch is suppossed to still be running Pop's system and probably Pop's preferred rotation.
Pop does retarded shit that no other coach would do. He always has.

[DAF86]

ST recency bias at its finest! :lol

He's sill a Gleague level coach at best to me

This is a clear case of pre-existing bias clouding your judgment.

Please tell me what can you possibly have seen in these few games he had as a interim head coach that makes you think "he's G-league level at best"? The record certainly isn't one of these things, tbh.

[DAF86]

Not sure if seriou ...the old man just had a stroke. I don't think he's phoning in rotations tbh.

Not in the literal sense, but, as an example, Pop's idea for the season might have been to give Blake Wesley a serious look on the first half of the season and Mitch might be respecting that decision although he may prefer to play guys like Mamu or Branham more (not saying this is the case, just throwing out a hypothetical of how Pop's pre-existing plans might still be playing a part on Mitch's substitution patterns).

[scott]

Not in the literal sense, but, as an example, Pop's idea for the season might have been to give Blake Wesley a serious look on the first half of the season and Mitch might be respecting that decision although he may prefer to play guys like Mamu or Branham more (not saying this is the case, just throwing out a hypothetical of how Pop's pre-existing plans might still be playing a part on Mitch's substitution patterns).

Theory: Pop has communicated to the staff that Collins is to always play ahead of Bassey because Bassey wasn’t paying close enough attention to the film about Nigeria.

“But I am from Nigeria Pop…” said Charles.

:pop: “Get over yourself!”

[Ice009]

They would have lost the Warriors game and the Jazz game before that if the old man was coaching tbh. No doubt in my mind.

Dan Hurley just signed a 6y extension to stay at UCONN. I don't think there's anybody else I'd even consider that's available tbh.

Becky :lol

I'm pretty sure someone posted he has buyouts to get out of his contract if needed. If he wants to go to the NBA, the buyouts are cheaper. Can't remember where I saw/read that, though.

[Kuvai]

Basket ball family. Father is a 2 time all star and won a ring

Graduated from stanford. Probably an high IQ guy.

In 2021 itself he was our interim head coach just 2 years into league when Pop was OUT.

It got me thinking that if it’s not Pop, he would be our successor.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think there's a gap in philosophy between Pop and Mitch. The early part of the season was tagged to get the players integrated and figure some things out. Paul and Wemby didn't play much together at all in the preseason, Barnes didn't do a whole lot there, either.

Mitch might be making adjustments or rotation changes that are a bit different, but I doubt there's a lot of philosophical difference between the pair. It's also the same assistant coaching staff behind both of them.

That said, he's doing extremely well. This is a second half team lately, which is a big boost. I don't want to think Barnes/Paul are papering over any problems but I don't think so. My feeling is he stays in as head coach from now on and Pop essentially retires and I hope is well.

[jjspur]

Its really addition by subtraction. We basically have another coach with a bit of a different philosophy (Mitch) minus the old style (Pop). Even players from last year have been bumped back in minutes either through injury or lack of improvement (Wesley, Branham) in favor of two older players and a rookie. I'm not sure Pop would have ran the team the same as Mitch, but its working.

Ask yourself how many times last year, the team (even with Wemby) was 17 point behind and still won. Yeah, Mitch runs the team differently and its showing positive results even in the short run. There may be better coaches out there, but Mitch has taken advantage of his chance. It may not last long, but its certainly better than last year.

[cutewizard]

Go Coach!!!!!!

[Pauleta14]

This is a clear case of pre-existing bias clouding your judgment.

Please tell me what can you possibly have seen in these few games he had as a interim head coach that makes you think "he's G-league level at best"? The record certainly isn't one of these things, tbh.

It's just absurd to change your mind after a few games, I'll wait a longer period to eventually do it.

He'll need to be exceptional, in the original sense of the term to compensate his age and lack of experience, not only as a coach but as a human being too bc he has to coach men, some much older than him.

I want to see him get out of a slump or a bad period for example, or see show he reacts under pressure etc

Right now it's just a version of Pop

Edit : Yes, of course I have a bias, I never hid it and already gave my reasons. No issue changing my views tho, I just need a lot more than a few games in a messed up league without real dominance

[rjv]

Its really addition by subtraction. We basically have another coach with a bit of a different philosophy (Mitch) minus the old style (Pop). Even players from last year have been bumped back in minutes either through injury or lack of improvement (Wesley, Branham) in favor of two older players and a rookie. I'm not sure Pop would have ran the team the same as Mitch, but its working.

Ask yourself how many times last year, the team (even with Wemby) was 17 point behind and still won. Yeah, Mitch runs the team differently and its showing positive results even in the short run. There may be better coaches out there, but Mitch has taken advantage of his chance. It may not last long, but its certainly better than last year.

CP3 and Barnes have as much to do with that as anything else.

[Uriel]

I wonder if we can maintain this situation indefinitely (and if so, whether that would be a good idea). Move Pop upstairs to the Pat Riley advisory role and let Mitch handle day-to-day coaching duties for the foreseeable future.

[cutewizard]

Lemme see the basics from Wikipedia >>>>. apologies guys,

Mitchell "Mitch" Johnson[1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-Mitch_Johnson-1)[2] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-2) is an American professional basketball (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball) coach and former player who is currently the interim head coach for the San Antonio Spurs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs) of the National Basketball Association (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association). Before that, he was an assistant coach for the Spurs from 2019 to 2024, and was an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Spurs) from 2016 to 2019. He played college basketball for Stanford Cardinal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_Cardinal_men%27s_basketball).
Johnson started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Spurs) in 2016. [1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-Mitch_Johnson-1) Johnson won the G League Championship (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NBA_G_League_champions#Champions) with the Austin Spurs in 2018. [4] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-4)[5 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-5)


In 2019, the San Antonio Spurs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Spurs) hired Johnson to be an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregg_Popovich).[1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-Mitch_Johnson-1) On May 15, 2021, Johnson was the interim head coach in a 140-103 loss against the Phoenix Suns (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns) as Popovich watched Tim Duncan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Duncan)’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. [6] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-usatoday_2024-11-04-6) Johnson was the interim head coach again in a 110-99 loss against the Indiana Pacers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers) on March 2, 2023, as Popovich was unable to coach due to an illness. [6] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-usatoday_2024-11-04-6) On November 2, 2024, Popovich was sidelined indefinitely from coaching due to a health issue, which was eventually revealed to be a stroke, and Johnson became the Spurs interim head coach. [7] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-7)[8] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-8)[9] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-9) He started coaching the Spurs on November 2 in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Timberwolves), having been informed two and half hours before tip off that Popovich wasn’t available to coach because of illness, [10] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-10) and the Spurs won 113-103 against the Timberwolves.[11] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-11) This is also the third time Johnson has served as the interim head coach of the Spurs. [6] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Johnson_(basketball)#cite_note-usatoday_2024-11-04-6)

[cutewizard]

From another source ......

Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson leans on lessons learned from his father (https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-assistant-Mitch-Johnson-leans-on-lessons-16373283.php)

LAS VEGAS — As the son of a former NBA player, Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson knew from an early age basketball would always be a big part of his life.

“Basketball was the family business,” he said. “That’s all I knew, all I wanted to do … I would eat and sleep basketball.”

Mitch’s father was John Johnson. A two-time All-Star during a 12-season, four-team NBA career that ended in 1982, he is best known for helping the Seattle SuperSonics win the 1979 league title as a 6-foot-7, five-tool player who popularized the “point forward” position by averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and team-high 4.4 assists that season.


By the time Mitch was playing youth basketball, his father was out of coaching, which allowed him to attend his son’s games and offer critiques and lessons that stick with the younger Johnson to this day.

“He always talked to me in terms of the way you see the game, the way you got to think for your teammates, the way little nuances can give you an advantage,” Mitch said. “Looking back, I think that really did help me become a coach long before I knew I wanted to be a coach. Even now, I draw upon those references all the time.”

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHCx6f9lF98

-----------------------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITtEnfE-QJM

[spursparker9]

I am fine with Mitch being Pop's successor.

But if CP3 want to give a try as HC, I am all for it too

[T Park]

Only two guys I’d want more than Mitch right now are Will Hardy, and Jay Wright.

[Rocalcio]

My number one concern with this dude is that he has a follower mentality. He straight up said he isn’t Pop and can’t do what he does (paraphrasing). I’m not sure he has the confidence to be a long term coach. Also, I’d want my long term coach to be admired by players around the league and i’m not sure Mitch has those qualities. Maybe he does and we don’t know much about him yet.

I want the next coach to be more than the Pop tree coaches who are either out of the league or havent done much, that includes Bud, the bald guy that was in PHX and now in detroit (forgot his name), and even Udoka… like, I wish Mitch was some sort of prodigy like the Boston coach right now or Spoelstra. I’m not sure he is. Im not saying i want an established coach either. I just havent read anything about Mitch that makes him stand out other than hes been an assistant coach for Pop. He’s not some discovery from the video room or whatever.

Bud won a ring, what more would you like ?

[Ice009]

From another source ......

Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson leans on lessons learned from his father (https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-assistant-Mitch-Johnson-leans-on-lessons-16373283.php)

LAS VEGAS — As the son of a former NBA player, Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson knew from an early age basketball would always be a big part of his life.

“Basketball was the family business,” he said. “That’s all I knew, all I wanted to do … I would eat and sleep basketball.”

Mitch’s father was John Johnson. A two-time All-Star during a 12-season, four-team NBA career that ended in 1982, he is best known for helping the Seattle SuperSonics win the 1979 league title as a 6-foot-7, five-tool player who popularized the “point forward” position by averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and team-high 4.4 assists that season.


By the time Mitch was playing youth basketball, his father was out of coaching, which allowed him to attend his son’s games and offer critiques and lessons that stick with the younger Johnson to this day.

“He always talked to me in terms of the way you see the game, the way you got to think for your teammates, the way little nuances can give you an advantage,” Mitch said. “Looking back, I think that really did help me become a coach long before I knew I wanted to be a coach. Even now, I draw upon those references all the time.”




I looked up his father earlier today after Kuvai mentioned his dad played for the Supersonics Championship team. It seems he was a pretty darn good basketball player. I read what the article you posted about mentioned, that he was one of the first point forward type of players, as he set the plays for the Sonics more than their guards did. I'd say Mitch grew up learning from someone really, really good, so I think that has helped him out a lot.

By the way, how do you read these Express News articles. It says I have an ad-blocker turned on, but I don't.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Johnson_(basketball,_born_1947)
In 1977, Johnson was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics and was reunited with former Iowa Hawkeye teammate Fred Brown. Johnson was a key contributor for Seattle, who went to the NBA Finals in 1977–78 and won an NBA championship in 1978–79 while possibly becoming the first point forward in league history as he was the player who more often set the plays for the Sonics rather than their star guards Dennis Johnson and Gus Williams.

[spurraider21]

ST recency bias at its finest! :lol

He's sill a Gleague level coach at best to me
So an upgrade to the most recent version of Pop?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I generally like what he’s doing out there, and guys are playing hard. How much bette does he look because of having two veterans asserting themselves better and gelling more with the younger players each game.
I’d say let’s wait and see. It’s a long season. If the Spurs don’t hire him as a HC I’d say there’s a good chance some other team will.

[Strategic]

Right now Mitch looks pretty good. It’s funny how winning helps. I didn’t think this was a group of players that could make the playoffs, and still a long way to go. I haven’t seen any coaching decisions that looked like incompetence. For all I know Bassey was throwing up prior to tip off. Until I hear a statement from Pop it’s a moot point anyway.

[Pauleta14]

So an upgrade to the most recent version of Pop?

I'm among those who love Pop, think Spurs fans especially on ST underrate him but I also think at 75yo you can't properly do the job.

As I answered previously, an elite coach is a coach that has failed and come back, it's a coach that has shown he can lead men and manage even the strongest egos, proved he can remain poised when everybody loses it etc.

The Xs and Os, the lineups, rotations, systems etc are obviously important too but it's just 50% of the skillset to me.

Wait and see, maybe Mitch is special, who knows, but I haven't seen anything yet that would make me comfortable to give him the keys long term with such an ambitious project.

It's too much of a risk to me and I don't get the excitement of most on ST after a few games vs tired (gsw) or handicaped teams (okc).

Mitch deserves his good grade tho, but it's kinda the same type of strategy that Pop's for now and will be until he roster changes anyway,

[8FOR!3]

A Pat Riley type role for Pop might not be a horrible idea at his age.

[exstatic]

I actually don’t see Pop moving upstairs. If he’s not on the bench, I can totally see him just retiring to his winery.

[jjspur]

[/B]CP3 and Barnes have as much to do with that as anything else.
Absolutely true, but both were playing for other teams last year, while we were stuck with Branham and Wesley playing important minutes in many of our losses. I'd include Champ in there, but he was actually a positive. Big big difference in players roles, minutes and coaching from last year, and it shows in the resulting wins. For all the doubters, we didn't get our 9th win until late January last year.

[NASpurs]

Let's say Pop misses the rest of the year and Mitch and the Spurs end up top six. That's like a ~+25 wins from last year. Does he get COY?

[LeBowen]

Let's say Pop misses the rest of the year and Mitch and the Spurs end up top six. That's like a ~+25 wins from last year. Does he get COY?

No chance if Atiknson gets #1 seed with the Cavs.
I could see him in consideration if Cavs fall off.

Has COTY ever been won by a coach who wasn't in charge at the start of the season?

[spurraider21]

I'm among those who love Pop, think Spurs fans especially on ST underrate him but I also think at 75yo you can't properly do the job.

As I answered previously, an elite coach is a coach that has failed and come back, it's a coach that has shown he can lead men and manage even the strongest egos, proved he can remain poised when everybody loses it etc.

The Xs and Os, the lineups, rotations, systems etc are obviously important too but it's just 50% of the skillset to me.

Wait and see, maybe Mitch is special, who knows, but I haven't seen anything yet that would make me comfortable to give him the keys long term with such an ambitious project.

It's too much of a risk to me and I don't get the excitement of most on ST after a few games vs tired (gsw) or handicaped teams (okc).

Mitch deserves his good grade tho, but it's kinda the same type of strategy that Pop's for now and will be until he roster changes anyway,
i'd been a long-time defender of Pop here. imo it seems clear he had kind of checked out and just decided to hang around after they won the wemby lottery

[NASpurs]

No chance if Atiknson gets #1 seed with the Cavs.
I could see him in consideration if Cavs fall off.

Has COTY ever been won by a coach who wasn't in charge at the start of the season?

It reminds me of Luke Walton when Kerr was out.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Walton

Walton was named the NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November, after guiding Golden State to a 19–0 start.[17] He received the award despite technically being winless, since the Warriors' record was credited to Kerr. Since Kerr was still the head coach, NBA rules stipulated that the team's record under an interim coach be credited to the head coach,[18] though the league considered altering the rule given Walton's case.[19] However, the NBA permits an interim or acting head coach to be eligible for coaching awards.[20] The Warriors extended their record start to 24–0. They were 39–4, the second-best start in league history, when Kerr resumed coaching full-time on January 22, 2016.[21] Golden State ended the season an NBA-record 73–9, and Kerr was voted the NBA Coach of the Yea

[Bruno]

Pop is a coach that is more focused on the big picture while Johnson is more focused on trying to win games. It's obviously very logical when you look at their age and experience.

Against Suns, Wembanyama played more than his minute restriction. Pop would never have done and wouldn't have given him a single second above it even at the cost of the game.

The key point about Johnson is how long Pop is planed to be out. If it's only a few weeks, he will/should stick to what Pop has done. If Pop is out longer, he should start to bring his own ideas and this season will be a great opportunity to know what he is worth as Pop's successor.

It would be nice to have a better idea about when Pop will be back, but, given the circumstances, I respect that Spurs keep it private.

[Pauleta14]

i'd been a long-time defender of Pop here. imo it seems clear he had kind of checked out and just decided to hang around after they won the wemby lottery

My guess is a bit before.

I think he really meant it when he said the season prior to Wemby's arrival was "the one he enjoyed the most in his career".

This "edge" that make the Greats is so consuming, it's already insane he lasted that long.

[spurraider21]

My guess is a bit before.

I think he really meant it when he said the season prior to Wemby's arrival was "the one he enjoyed the most in his career".

This "edge" that make the Greats is so consuming, it's already insane he lasted that long.
yeah no doubt. im by and large grateful for Pop and he belongs squarely in the GOAT convo for coaches. but father time is undefeated, even for coaches. i think the game has somewhat passed him by. as much as he may have enjoyed that other season, i dont see the same level of fire that he used to have, nor the willingness to hold players accountable

[exstatic]

Let's say Pop misses the rest of the year and Mitch and the Spurs end up top six. That's like a ~+25 wins from last year. Does he get COY?

Mitch isn’t the head coach, so he can’t win it. In addition, every one of these wins is being credited to Pop. I learned that little factoid when Kerr missed a chunk of one season, and Luke Walton led GS to a pile of wins.

[Ice009]

That's a pretty crappy rule that the interim coach doesn't get credited for wins.

Also, did Pop really say that the season before last was he most enjoyable? I wonder why that is? Because there was zero pressure, or did he get to teach a lot more than usual and enjoyed that aspect of it. I wonder what aspect/s made his enjoy that season the most.

[Spurs Homer]

Too early....chill the fuck out...

[skin27]

Mitch is killing it! Almost every facet of the game has gotten better and is more fun to watch.
Players are improving game to game as is the team. What more do we need to see?
His reads of the game and decisions are a breath of fresh air. Just the sensibilities of his rotations is a vast improvement. No disrespect to Pop.

its the same rotation. Especially wemby’s minutes

[exstatic]

That's a pretty crappy rule that the interim coach doesn't get credited for wins.

Also, did Pop really say that the season before last was he most enjoyable? I wonder why that is? Because there was zero pressure, or did he get to teach a lot more than usual and enjoyed that aspect of it. I wonder what aspect/s made his enjoy that season the most.

This

[Mugen]

The "teaching" aspect is all well and good but it's time to win now tbh. And you need a competent coach for that, not Professor Popovich.

[The Truth #6]

Debbie Downer take: the owners/FO wait for Pop to return all season, hem and haw in the off-season, and some other team hires Mitch.

At the least, give the dude a raise.

My preference: Pop stays in the background and does trips to Europe or whatever with RC and uses his status to scout players and a top European coach to be lead assistant behind Mitch. Pop doesn't need to be full time coach again, he just had a stroke and needs to address the underlying conditions that led to the stroke (A Fib, hypertension, or whatever), but fully stepping down doesn't help the team. He can still use his godfather status in a lot of ways behind the scenes.

[LeBowen]

Debbie Downer take: the owners/FO wait for Pop to return all season, hem and haw in the off-season, and some other team hires Mitch.

No chance Mitch leaves unless PATFO gets someone else other than Pop to be the head coach.
Even if Pop comes back, which seems unlikely, he'll surely be done at the end of next season.
Everyone with half a brain would rather wait it out and take over one of the most promising rosters in the league rather than taking a treadmill team job.
For example Kenny Atkinson rejected multiple offers and stayed as Kerr's assistant before the right one came in.

[The Truth #6]

I think what we want to happen doesn't always align with what actually happens. Life is full of lots of variables.

[ambchang]

Winning is all nice and fun, but I want a high pick.

[LeBowen]

Winning is all nice and fun, but I want a high pick.

You can go support another team, then.
I'm sick of people who still want to tank for picks when we have a top10 player in the league and it looks like we nailed our last pick.
Yeah, it would be better to have another top5 pick, but you know what's even better? Experience of playing important games and actually getting that winning culture back.
For decades we laughed at those awful franchises that can't make it work no matter what and now some of you still want to tank even though we have the second longest lottery streak in the league.

[Fizziksman]

Winning is all nice and fun, but I want a high pick.

Atlanta's pick will be pretty low. Reality this team can't tank anymore. It is starting to survive Zollins minutes.

[exstatic]

I think what we want to happen doesn't always align with what actually happens. Life is full of lots of variables.

This is the number one anger trigger on ST. They expect the Spurs do do what they want, and when the Spurs something along the lines of what they usually do, said poster(s) flip out.

[exstatic]

Winning is all nice and fun, but I want a high pick.

Atlanta will get that for us.

[Mugen]

:lol Marlo Stanfield over here

[Teamduncan21]

That's a pretty crappy rule that the interim coach doesn't get credited for wins.

Also, did Pop really say that the season before last was he most enjoyable? I wonder why that is? Because there was zero pressure, or did he get to teach a lot more than usual and enjoyed that aspect of it. I wonder what aspect/s made his enjoy that season the most.



They can promote him if it seems he would make the coy

[Brazil]

Pop is a coach that is more focused on the big picture while Johnson is more focused on trying to win games. It's obviously very logical when you look at their age and experience.

Against Suns, Wembanyama played more than his minute restriction. Pop would never have done and wouldn't have given him a single second above it even at the cost of the game.

The key point about Johnson is how long Pop is planed to be out. If it's only a few weeks, he will/should stick to what Pop has done. If Pop is out longer, he should start to bring his own ideas and this season will be a great opportunity to know what he is worth as Pop's successor.

It would be nice to have a better idea about when Pop will be back, but, given the circumstances, I respect that Spurs keep it private.

Spot on tbh... Mitch needs obviously some wins, the roster is asking for it and he has no desire to go against that especially trying to get a name on the market for himself. Regarding the minutes I guess you meant GSW, I don't see a big difference here though 34 mn is a bit high compared to his standards but Pop played him 35 against Houston for instance. If there is one thing Mitch won't dare to touch is Victor health and mn restrictions

[The Truth #6]

The fact that Mitch seems to be stepping out on his own, just even in a tiny bit, suggests that he may see this job as his to win or lose.

[exstatic]

They can promote him if it seems he would make the coy

Those wins still goin Pop’s coffer, so what is the criteria for the win? A 0-0 record?

[Bruno]

Regarding the minutes I guess you meant GSW, I don't see a big difference here though 34 mn is a bit high compared to his standards but Pop played him 35 against Houston for instance. If there is one thing Mitch won't dare to touch is Victor health and mn restrictions

Yeah, I meant GSW but he played more than his minutes restriction in that game:
https://x.com/HectorLedesmaTV/status/1860696333935345812

[scott]

It reminds me of Luke Walton when Kerr was out.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Walton

Walton was named the NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November, after guiding Golden State to a 19–0 start.[17] He received the award despite technically being winless, since the Warriors' record was credited to Kerr. Since Kerr was still the head coach, NBA rules stipulated that the team's record under an interim coach be credited to the head coach,[18] though the league considered altering the rule given Walton's case.[19] However, the NBA permits an interim or acting head coach to be eligible for coaching awards.[20] The Warriors extended their record start to 24–0. They were 39–4, the second-best start in league history, when Kerr resumed coaching full-time on January 22, 2016.[21] Golden State ended the season an NBA-record 73–9, and Kerr was voted the NBA Coach of the Yea

So wait... are these wins being credited to Pop?

This is kind of inconsequential, but I was hoping Pop would at least come back in some part-time HC role to get to Win #1400 - but maybe he already has it?

[CGD]

Yeah, I meant GSW but he played more than his minutes restriction in that game:
https://x.com/HectorLedesmaTV/status/1860696333935345812

Clearly Victor still needs to get over himself.

[Obstructed_View]

Winning is all nice and fun, but I want a high pick.

The Spurs traded one away a few months ago so they could draft a guy who can't play basketball.

[DAF86]

Pop is a coach that is more focused on the big picture while Johnson is more focused on trying to win games. It's obviously very logical when you look at their age and experience.

Against Suns, Wembanyama played more than his minute restriction. Pop would never have done and wouldn't have given him a single second above it even at the cost of the game.

The key point about Johnson is how long Pop is planed to be out. If it's only a few weeks, he will/should stick to what Pop has done. If Pop is out longer, he should start to bring his own ideas and this season will be a great opportunity to know what he is worth as Pop's successor.

It would be nice to have a better idea about when Pop will be back, but, given the circumstances, I respect that Spurs keep it private.

The idea of Pop being back should already be erased, imho.

[CGD]

Woah… did Mitch just demote Zach in favor of Mamu??

[ambchang]

You can go support another team, then.
I'm sick of people who still want to tank for picks when we have a top10 player in the league and it looks like we nailed our last pick.
Yeah, it would be better to have another top5 pick, but you know what's even better? Experience of playing important games and actually getting that winning culture back.
For decades we laughed at those awful franchises that can't make it work no matter what and now some of you still want to tank even though we have the second longest lottery streak in the league.

Gee man, relax. As you said, it’s better to have another top 5 pick. of course it’s not an infinite loop of doing it year over year, but if the spurs can get one more this year, and then hit that pick out of the park, the team would be set for the next 10 years.

For any other draft, I’d say go win some games, but this year isn’t any other draft, there are supposed blue chippers as deep as late lottery, and genuine franchise carrying potential for the first three or four picks.

Unlike many STers, I’m actually quite confident of the FOs drafting. Wemby was a no brainer, castle seems to be a home run , I think sochan is an underrated pick and I am confident if we do a redraft in 5 years, he’d be a top 5 pick. Vassell was a decent pick, like I said in another thread I’m souring on him because he doesn’t seem like a fit with his play style but he has t been playing much this year so he may have changed from last year. I have no problems with Blake and still think he has good potential with a few minor fixes, Branham I’m not that confident but a 20th pick should be a swing. Primo was bad. I won’t even go into the second rounders as they are supposed to be swings for bad teams, and immediate contributors with low ceilings for established teams.

Experiences would come.

[Mugen]

My beautiful Mitch tonight:

-Benched Zollins in the 2nd half
-Benched Keldon in the 4th qtr

A real coach. A real f'n coach, finally. :cry

[ginobilized]

Mitch made some great calls and they panned out tonight.
His rotations make sense to me most of the time which is a welcome change.

[DAF86]

Mitch made some great calls and they panned out tonight.
His rotations make sense to me most of the time which is a welcome change.

I don't like that Jones, Wesley, Keldon, Champ, Collins lineup he uses to finish 1st quarters, tbh.

[CGD]

I don't like that Jones, Wesley, Keldon, Champ, Collins lineup he uses to finish 1st quarters, tbh.

Apparently he didn’t either, which is why we saw more Mamu and Bassey later in the game.

[lefty20]

LJ better slap that A+ on Mitch's game grade without a second thought.

[NASpurs]

I guess I see what he's doing with those horrible first quarter bench lineups. It's to see if one (or some) of those guys gets going so he can lengthen the rotation and give the starting group rest. Whether or not the pecking order is scoffed is another question.

[Mr. Body]

I don't like these first half holes, but the team is cranking it up on defense and getting the offense going in the second. That's new.

[SpursGenius]

Woah… did Mitch just demote Zach in favor of Mamu??
would the senile pop ever do this ? No

I hope Pop doesnt comeback and ruin this team. Just go retire and go enjoy his wine.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd63AxeBFv0

[Robz4000]

He pissed me off with the Tre/Castle/CP0 lineup but otherwise I liked what I saw tonight :tu

Overall he's obviously been a breath of fresh air tbh.

[cutewizard]

Hope the Spurs management just appreciate the Miami Heat formula

Pop is the President, and Mitch is the Coach

agree with an earlier post that they should scout for a European assistant coach, to be backup to Mitch

[tbdog]

Getting these wins while being 2, sometimes 3 (Wemby) starters down is impressive.

[Manu-of-steel]

Mitch is my man! He is open to learning, and able to adjust on the fly. Communicates well with players, and has the balls to bench players not performing well.

[Mal]

The results are there

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE_3zUKryyg

[CGD]

Things to like:

- Not afraid to go past Vic's minutes restrictions
- Tightening of the rotations + tough love for some players who need it (Zach)
- Using Wembs more as a hub on offense

[CGD]

Big ball Mitch with this quote after the Sacto game. I appreciate the call out here:

“I thought he had some very poor moments in the first three quarters in terms of fundamentals and solid basketball,” acting head coach Mitch Johnson said. “And it’s a testament to him, and his ability to lock in (that he figured it out). I thought in the fourth quarter, (that) he was a man. And I thought he dominated. He’s so good, but the dominating (of) the fundamentals for him — the catches, the passes, the solid stuff — (is key). It’s still spectacular, but when he does that, he’s a load.”

[CGD]

And after the Suns game he had a thoughtful response about Vic, where he basically said we always want him in the paint, you see the results like in the 3rd, and effectively (or the inference being) that it’s a choice by THE PLAYER when he goes to the paint or not. Didn’t attack or accuse, but a subtle little message there.

Gotta say, I’m pretty impressed by how he’s handled himself so far.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

And after the Suns game he had a thoughtful response about Vic, where he basically said we always want him in the paint, you see the results like in the 3rd, and effectively (or the inference being) that it’s a choice by THE PLAYER when he goes to the paint or not. Didn’t attack or accuse, but a subtle little message there.

Gotta say, I’m pretty impressed by how he’s handled himself so far.

I like him too. The team was pretty lethargic last night, and I don’t know how much of that is on him. I’d say that’s my primary beef with last night. But as an overall assessment of his job so far, I agree with you.

[Mugen]

People need to remember that this is really Mitch's first year coaching. He deserves a little leeway.

The old man was literally the longest tenured coach in sports and somehow got endless rope even when he was making absolutely horrible coaching decisions for the last decade.

My biggest gripe with Mitch has still been the infrequent use of Mamu. But all things considered, he's been pretty great tbh.

[ginobilized]

Mitch is doing a great job given the situation. He's a completely different type of personality than Pop. Mitch is subtle and doesn't attack his interviewers. He's very smart and isn't a rager as a coach.
He seems well-informed by modern basketball and emotional IQ principles.

The fact that he grew up in the NBA is a huge bonus. His dad played for the NBA champion Seattle Supersonics back in the day. The NBA was the family business. I'd love to see an assistant who has played in the league, though.

[Raven]

very much the number 1 guy to blame for the loss against phoenix. No malaki, no mamu, no blake, when nobody can hit a triple to save their life.

[John B]

very much the number 1 guy to blame for the loss against phoenix. No malaki, no mamu, no blake, when nobody can hit a triple to save their life.

Mitch seemed wanted to establish his rotation players, Sochan/Vassell to integrate back. I don’t know if less trusting his 12th guy. Because Pop won’t hesitate to pull all the starters until their minds back in the game, to shake things up, not a popular thing with Pop-bashers though.

[Mugen]

very much the number 1 guy to blame for the loss against phoenix. No malaki, no mamu, no blake, when nobody can hit a triple to save their life.

:lol

[dbestpro]

Looks like Johnson is a great coach when Wemby is playing. Not so much otherwise.

[Pauleta14]

Imagine we had Ime...

(I'd pay anything to get him)

[Mugen]

Looks like Johnson is a great coach when Wemby is playing. Not so much otherwise.

:lol That's just called being a successful NBA coach. The old man's career was literally built on the shoulders of Tim Duncan tbh.

[Raven]

he's just an awful coach, maybe not in general, but he seems to need to relearn everything we already know.

[Pauleta14]

he's just an awful coach, maybe not in general, but he seems to need to relearn everything we already know.

I'm not a fan from the start, however...

He's supposed to go through that stage, making mistakes and facing adversity. It's now that we're going to see what he's made of, the decisions he makes and the way he manages etc

He might fail (I have very low hopes tbh) but that's when (future) great coaches reveal themselves. So let's wait and see on a longer period and judge him then.

Not enough games and too many key players missing that are usually central to the team's game plan and hide the deficiencies of the roster. (When Champ is your best player...smh lol)

[LeBowen]

Mitch has been trying everything since he took over. A lot of things didn't work because our roster sucks, but I genuinely wonder what do you guys think a coach can do with our roster when Wemby sits?
Collins is not an NBA player anymore, Bassey never was. Neither of them can stay on the floor because of foul trouble.
He tried a small lineup, can't work against good bigs.

The entire team crumbles not because Wemby isn't playing, but because we don't have another NBA level big. We just can't play like this unless we're playing against a team that also doesn't have actual bigs and we shoot lights out.

[Raven]

Mitch has been trying everything since he took over. A lot of things didn't work because our roster sucks, but I genuinely wonder what do you guys think a coach can do with our roster when Wemby sits?
Collins is not an NBA player anymore, Bassey never was. Neither of them can stay on the floor because of foul trouble.
He tried a small lineup, can't work against good bigs.

The entire team crumbles not because Wemby isn't playing, but because we don't have another NBA level big. We just can't play like this unless we're playing against a team that also doesn't have actual bigs and we shoot lights out.

well for starters starting sochan and vassell seems a given, since they are our two min building blocks next to wemby. Benching barnes would be another, and focusing on D would be another.

[LeBowen]

well for starters starting sochan and vassell seems a given, since they are our two min building blocks next to wemby. Benching barnes would be another, and focusing on D would be another.

I'm sure they'll be back in the lineup soon, I think Mitch's decision to not change the starting lineup during a winstreak was logical.
CP3/Devin/Champ/Jeremy/Wemby should be our best lineup on paper, with Castle and Barnes as two main bench pieces.

We can't focus on D without a rim protector. It just doesn't work in modern NBA. We were horrible last night and still scored 113 on Kings just because they don't have a rim protector.

[Raven]

I'm sure they'll be back in the lineup soon, I think Mitch's decision to not change the starting lineup during a winstreak was logical.
CP3/Devin/Champ/Jeremy/Wemby should be our best lineup on paper, with Castle and Barnes as two main bench pieces.

We can't focus on D without a rim protector. It just doesn't work in modern NBA. We were horrible last night and still scored 113 on Kings just because they don't have a rim protector.

i think he's overplaying cp3 and barnes because he lacks a spine. As a result Castle is overplaying the 2 spot at which he's useless.

[LeBowen]

i think he's overplaying cp3 and barnes because he lacks a spine. As a result Castle is overplaying the 2 spot at which he's useless.

Well, Castle has been playing a lot of minutes as the primary ballhandler since Tre went down again.
He's overplaying CP3 because this team is still really low IQ.
Other than Castle who's just a rookie, which player who gets to create with the ball in his hands has at least above average IQ?

[Raven]

Well, Castle has been playing a lot of minutes as the primary ballhandler since Tre went down again.
He's overplaying CP3 because this team is still really low IQ.
Other than Castle who's just a rookie, which player who gets to create with the ball in his hands has at least above average IQ?

uh... nobody of course.. he can play with blake and malaki that actually need him, by your account.

[LeBowen]

uh... nobody of course.. he can play with blake and malaki that actually need him, by your account.

I got no idea what you're trying to say here.

If you want me to explain it better, I think that just CP3, Wemby and Barnes have high enough IQ to actually compete right now.
Devin, Champ and Jeremy are good enough as long as they're not tasked with too much, but just stick to their roles.
Castle is a rookie, but already looks better in IQ regard than anyone except CP3.
Others are just charity cases and can't stay on the roster long-term in any capacity other than maybe being third stringers.

It's hard to coach a bunch of players who don't understand shit and get lost as soon as they have to step out of their strictly defined tasks.
That's what we got on our roster. That's why CP3 plays so much.

[John B]

Mitch is okay. I just don’t like a coach outside of the “ Spurs Culture” who’d be easily be pressured to Win Now to keep his job, at the expense of playing Wemby into the ground. I think Mitch as interim coach still takes a lot of orders from PATFO on the direction of the team.

[Raven]

I got no idea what you're trying to say here.

If you want me to explain it better, I think that just CP3, Wemby and Barnes have high enough IQ to actually compete right now.
Devin, Champ and Jeremy are good enough as long as they're not tasked with too much, but just stick to their roles.
Castle is a rookie, but already looks better in IQ regard than anyone except CP3.
Others are just charity cases and can't stay on the roster long-term in any capacity other than maybe being third stringers.

It's hard to coach a bunch of players who don't understand shit and get lost as soon as they have to step out of their strictly defined tasks.
That's what we got on our roster. That's why CP3 plays so much.

if by your assessment, cp3 and castle are the only players with iq, why would you play them together..

[Pauleta14]

The most important player's development for the Spurs's future is Sochan's.

It's the area I'm waiting to see real improvements, as much from the player than from Mitch's management and decisions.

We already know who we have and what to expect with the rest of the roster

[Pauleta14]

One (more) argument that makes me doubts on Mitch, migh be a cliche, but ends up being true most of the time, is that a team alwasy ends up at the image of their coach.

That's why I believed the rockettes would succeed already last season, bc they hired Ime.

Mitch could even be a genius, he'll carry his inexperience as a coach and as a man, and it will impact the team for a long period until he's grown off of his limitations.

Now I'd love Mitch to prove me wrong, of course.

[rankingtear]

Mitch has been trying everything since he took over. A lot of things didn't work because our roster sucks, but I genuinely wonder what do you guys think a coach can do with our roster when Wemby sits?
Collins is not an NBA player anymore, Bassey never was. Neither of them can stay on the floor because of foul trouble.
He tried a small lineup, can't work against good bigs.

The entire team crumbles not because Wemby isn't playing, but because we don't have another NBA level big. We just can't play like this unless we're playing against a team that also doesn't have actual bigs and we shoot lights out.
.
Probably nothing. DEN can't even do it on a second apron team. Although the Zollins + starters was net neutral last year post all star break.

[The Truth #6]

It was all rainbows and unicorns a few weeks ago when Castle and Barnes were playing well. They aren't shooting as well now. Add in Sochan back who can't shoot, and Devin who is trying to stay healthy and find his best role. I don't think Silky is suddenly worse. I think he's still trying things to see what works, which is still better than Pop only making changes after 20 game increments or whatever.

[Seventyniner]

These last two losses aren't on the offense. Giving up 139 and 140, even without Wemby, is beyond horrible.

[scott]

well for starters starting sochan and vassell seems a given, since they are our two min building blocks next to wemby. Benching barnes would be another, and focusing on D would be another.

I think this comes down to the fact that you can't really start Sochan until you start Vassell (in place of Castle). Sochan and Castle can't really co-exist in an effective 5-man lineup right now. So the problem is that Vassell can't even play more than a handful of consecutive games. Until he can, you're kind of stuck.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq2Z35_umVM

[objective]

Hmmm ... Castle is one of the only guys who came to play ...

17 points in 13 minutes ...

Everyone else exhausted or ass stinking trash ....

Better leave on Castle on the bench!

Only the worst of the worst coaches like Boylen are capable of that.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah that was bad. Castle is clearly needed in certain spots especially when Paul is clearly gassed. Instead you end up putting it in the hands of guys like Champegnie to bring the ball up down the stretch. Bad coaching.

[Gibbz]

Mitch has been good, but tonight reeked of a late-stage Pop job.

[spursistan]

Criminal how he fast went away from Castle the moment the rest of roster got healthy..i don't think Tre/Vassell/Barnes and even Sochan should be automatically above him especially when he is performing like tonight.

[CGD]

Criminal how he fast went away from Castle the moment the rest of roster got healthy..i don't think Tre/Vassell/Barnes and even Sochan should be automatically above him especially when he is performing like tonight.

I think he must read Spurstalk and agree with those saying that the team really can’t have Sochan AND Castle playing at the same time. He opted to go with Jeremy in the end, which I can’t really fault.

I am increasingly concerned about Dev though. I really like him, but I feel he’s still makes Year 2 level reads at lot of times.

[spursistan]

After a good start he's been wild & questionable with rotations ever since the team got healthy..

i'm glad Mitch got the opportunity to audition for the job, but i would look for more established names (Dan Hurley, Will Hardy (if he becomes available ...), even James Borrego) for for the post-Pop era.

[LakerHater]

8 mins for castle?
Dnt think he really is doin a good job coaching

[z0sa]

8 mins for castle?
Dnt think he really is doin a good job coaching

Eh, I hate to be that guy but ...

He's coaching in the shadow of perhaps the GOAT. Don't expect those shoes to be filled anytime soon, if ever.

[AusSpur]

I like Mitch's rotations for the most part. Pop never would have benched Collins or Branham so kudos for that.

Tactically he seems a bit behind, which a young coach should improve on. He really needs to use his challenges more, you can't be buried with them coach.

[Tyronn Lue]

8 mins for castle?
Dnt think he really is doin a good job coaching
That was enough to generate 4 turnovers and zero points.

[scott]

Here is my endorsement of the job Mitch is doing:

It is VERY difficult to be the guy who replaces an all-timer. Whomever replaced Pop was going to have a hard time. Mitch is stepping in those shoes so that the next person doesn't have to.

Come home to SA, Becky.

[Pauleta14]

Not a Xs and Os or decisions issue.

Mitch is just too green/inexperienced and needs to go through all the learning stage as the rookie he is.

Why should Wemby pay that price?

I'm on the Becky train too (surrounded by exp assistants)

[exstatic]

8 mins for castle?
Dnt think he really is doin a good job coaching

He played like ass.

[LeBowen]

He played like ass.

He did play like ass. But even when he played great he doesn't even get 15 minutes.
Champagnie played great as of late and he pretty much got a DNP for the rest of the game as soon as he missed a couple shots early on.

Wrong players have short leash.

[exstatic]

He did play like ass. But even when he played great he doesn't even get 15 minutes.
Champagnie played great as of late and he pretty much got a DNP for the rest of the game as soon as he missed a couple shots early on.

Wrong players have short leash.

If Champ got pulled, it wasn’t for misses. The Spurs/Pop philosophy is to keep shooting, and if you stop because you’ve missed a few, he will pull you for that. Champ frequently struggles to get going early, missing his first 3-4, and I’ve never seen him get pulled before turning it on.

Champ was likely slow on some defensive rotations or something like that.

[LeBowen]

If Champ got pulled, it wasn’t for misses. The Spurs/Pop philosophy is to keep shooting, and if you stop because you’ve missed a few, he will pull you for that. Champ frequently struggles to get going early, missing his first 3-4, and I’ve never seen him get pulled before turning it on.

Champ was likely slow on some defensive rotations or something like that.

He went from 30mpg as a starter to 22mpg since Devin came back. Coaching is also about psychology and while Champagnie is obviously not a regular starter, giving him almost 30% less playtime even though he was the biggest positive surprise of the season so far sends the wrong message.
Keldon has also been getting 22mpg in that same interval, his minutes went down from 25 to 22mpg.

Champagnie since Devin returned to the starting lineup: 9.5/3.3/1 on 44/44/100, 6 3pta.
Keldon since Devin returned to the starting lineup: 9.3/3.8/1.5 on 45/17/70, 2.8 3pta.

Can someone please explain why is Mitch reducing minutes of our only textbook shooter and not minutes of a defensive turnstile who's shooting 17% from 3pt in that period? Especially since we already have enough bad shooters in the rotation?
Mitch started off well, made some logical moves, but now he's starting to show he's out of his depth.

[Strategic]

The last inbound play against the wolves was a brain fart. The game ends with the ball in Sochan’s hands outside the arc. The wolves were laughing all the way to the locker room.

[CorrectCrusader]

Sochan shouldn't have been on the floor there, pretty inexcusable mistake.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

He's single handedly destroying Castle. :td

And WTF are you doing with Sochan even on the floor last night for the last shot?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Will Popomitch learn anything from tonight's game with the Clips?

All the league's best scorers are at the 2/3, where Sochan can't play or defend. Castle can. When's the last time Sochan forced someone into an eight second violation like Castle did tonight to Harden?

Start Castle. Bring Sochan off the bench. Profit.

[z0sa]

While it's only correlation, Castle coming in and basically scoring 15 quick points once Sochan was out kinda confirms that there is a dichotomy here of choosing one of our 2 non-shooting "stars" to have on the floor at any one time. Castle is more impactful creating while Sochan's the better rebounder and finisher (off assists). If only Sochan had worked harder (or more successfully, at least) on his long ball..

[Manu-of-steel]

We still need Sochan to defend the likes of Duant, PG13, KL. Stephon can not guard them.

[RC_Drunkford]

I know this game was a blowout, but why would you play a Castle, Tre Jones, Vassell, Keldon, Zollins line up?

Agree that the rotations are bad. Champagnie should be the first player off the bench, not Keldon. Castle has to play at least 20 min per game. I also don’t like that he brought Collins back.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xf2FRggau0

[Pauleta14]

Will Popomitch learn anything from tonight's game with the Clips?

All the league's best scorers are at the 2/3, where Sochan can't play or defend. Castle can. When's the last time Sochan forced someone into an eight second violation like Castle did tonight to Harden?

Start Castle. Bring Sochan off the bench. Profit.

One would think it's common sense but forget Mitch, 90% of Spurs fans, including on ST will call you a hater and try to explain you with stats (smh) that Sochan is amazing and his future is a mix of Draymond and A. Gordon :lmao

Spurs played their best basketball when Sochan and Vassell came off the bench

[The Truth #6]

Whoever plays in a lineup with Wemby and or CP will look better. Coming off the bench without either of those players seems to reveal the chaos and dysfunction. Basically, we don't have a logical pecking order, rather one based on seniority/salary.

I think Devin has made some effort in playing less like a moron. My issue is not enough Castle and Champ. Less Keldon and Tre would be my preference. Zollins coming back makes me think there was an in team suspension for his meltdown. I think some of the blame on Mitch gets to roster construction. Mitch has whittled Mamu, Blake, and Branham off the rotation. But everyone is healthy now. Some roster shake up needs to happen before next season.

[cutewizard]

Just copied this from a Facebook post >>>>>>>


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Spurs’ brutal January schedule could make or break their season
The Spurs will face the Nuggets, Lakers, Grizzlies and Pacers twice in January and will also play the Heat, Bucks, Bulls and Clippers this month

1)The Spurs are facing a brutal schedule in January, with only two matchups coming against teams with losing records. How many of their 13 games do you think they will win?

Marilyn Dubinski: If they can keep hovering within a game or two of .500 for the month of January, it will be a success, and honestly, the amount of time they’re on the road is more concerning than the strength of schedule to me. As they learned last week, they can’t make late mistakes on the road and expect to win, but they have also shown they can keep up with good teams. I can see them winning the Bulls game and the two against the Pacers in Paris, then they just need to win two more to come out the other end still within a game of .500. At Miami is winnable, and maybe it’s recency bias but home vs. the Clippers is winnable. They also have three other miniseries besides the Pacers: home-away vs. Nuggets (who are vulnerable), away-away vs. Lakers, home-home vs. Memphis. More often than not, teams split those series, so I don’t expect all three to be a full sweep by the opponent (maybe just the Lakers).

Jacob Douglas: I’m expecting a close to .500 record this month for the Spurs. They’ll steal a game against a favorite like Milwaukee or Denver. They previously lost to Chicago but that is a winnable game. They have a good matchup with Miami and playing in France against the Pacers should give them a boost as the hometown kid puts on a show. Six or seven wins is my prediction.

Jesus Gomez: They could lose all 13 and it wouldn’t be shocking, which is crazy. Hopefully they’ll be able to feast on the East teams. The game in Chicago, the two against Indiana, and the one against Miami feel winnable. I looked to see if any of the matchups against the Western teams and the Bucks had a rest advantage, but no opponent will be on the second game of a back-to-back. I’ll say that if they can win six, they will have done a good job.

Bill Huan: All 13, Jesus?? And I thought that I was the Debbie Downer of this crew. In all seriousness, I don’t think the Spurs will have a great record, either; something around 4-5 wins sounds about right. I’d be ecstatic and shocked if they go .500 or better, even with Wemby playing like a borderline top 5 player in the league. A factor that’s being under-discussed is that most of the teams they’ll be playing are more desperate for wins. That’s not to say the Spurs don’t want to rack up Ws, but they’re still more willing to experiment and rest guys if necessary than most teams they’ll be playing during this brutal stretch.

2) The Spurs record after January will determine whether they are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. True or false?

Dubinski: True to an extent. I think they will have open ears regardless, so January is more likely to decide what type of trade they pursue, be it just salary/contract dumps for draft capital or truly pursuing upgrades. Rumor already has it that they aren’t interested in trading Devin Vassell or Keldon Johnson “this season”, so it doesn’t sound like they plan to make any changes to the main core, not to mention the marriage with Chris Paul has worked out well. That leaves Harrison Barnes and Zach Collins as their main bargaining chips. If they are looking for a major upgrade, it should be at backup center, and I’ll keep pounding the Jonas Valanciunas drum either until it happens or he’s traded elsewhere.

Douglas: False. Will this stretch prove how ready they are right now? Maybe. But I think there is a longer-term plan here than just this season. If they can get a veteran on an expiring who can help them squeak into the play-in like Valanciunas or Jordan Clarkson on a cheap deal, so be it. If those opportunities aren’t there, I just don’t see them pushing all their chips in at the deadline. Likewise, I can’t see them blowing up the roster to gain draft capital for contributing veterans like Paul and Barnes. I think we’ll see a marginal move at the deadline no matter what happens this month.

Gomez: True, kind of. If they win more games than anticipated and are firmly in the playoff race, it can lead them to be more aggressive looking for upgrades, especially at backup center. But if they lose a lot, I doubt they will be aggressive sellers. Chris Paul seems happy in San Antonio. Keldon Johnson’s contract is too good to just move him unless there’s a better market for him than it seems realistic to anticipate. Maybe they send Harrison Barnes out for a second rounder? It doesn’t feel likely to me. I expect bigger moves in the offseason if the Spurs underwhelm the rest of the way.

(Also, for the record, I don’t think they’ll lose all 13, Bill! I’m just saying that if you look at each matchup in isolation, they could realistically lose to any opponent. Just needed to clarify that. I’m a bit of a doomer, but I’m not that far gone.)

Huan: Realistically? False. The only scenario in which I’d change my mind would be if the Spurs somehow defy all expectations and win most of their games in January, putting them in firm playoff position. At that point, it might be worth adding a depth piece — as long as it doesn’t mortgage a critical part of the future.

However, if things play out as we expect and the Spurs are still on the bubble, or even slightly worse, they shouldn’t make any drastic moves. San Antonio’s too good to tank and the vets seem pretty happy to stay with the team, so I doubt any big moves are in play.

[Manu-of-steel]

Mitch, what are you doin? Castle just hit a three, then you sub Tre for him? WTF!

[Pauleta14]

He should keep being an assistant for a few years at best, he's not a head coach and it slows down/handicaps the development of the team and Wemby in particular.

[Bruno]

If only we could have Bud, he has been amazing with Suns so far...

[Ice009]

If only we could have Bud, he has been amazing with Suns so far...

I'm a little confused. Their record isn't that good. I haven't watched them play, though, and I don't know if key players have missed games for them?

[LeBowen]

I'm a little confused. Their record isn't that good. I haven't watched them play, though, and I don't know if key players have missed games for them?

Not even peak Pop would be on pace for anything more than ~45 wins with that garbage Suns roster.
KD missed 10 games, Booker missed 5, Beal is completely washed.
Their role players are garbage. Nurkic is close to Collins level useless and is making even more money.
Tyus, Jones Allen and O'Neale are solid, but they have no good bigs and only one point guard.

[Bruno]

I'm a little confused. Their record isn't that good. I haven't watched them play, though, and I don't know if key players have missed games for them?

It was just a little banter to posters that were praising Bud after Suns great start of their season.

In the same mold, some posters were also praising Suns' shooting coach to have fixed Ryan Dunn shot. He was 11/25 from 3 for his 5 first games. Since that, he has been 21/81 (.259) from 3.

[spursistan]

If only we could have Bud, he has been amazing with Suns so far...
Genuinely thought he would extract the best of that roster all flaws aside. Bud is regular season winning machine, probably the best coach in the past decade in terms of maximizing existing talent in the regular season. Frank Vogel got a raw deal it seems..

Anyway, for the Spurs, i would rather go for a young coach who would generationally time better with Wemby and the rest of the core. Will Hardy would be my pick if we can pry him away from Utah (Ginobili is my pipedream; i think he would make a good coach). I am not ready to anoint Mitch; but if they go that route in the offseason, it better be on a short contract (2 year deal) to keep our options open.

[RC_Drunkford]

Yeah, I'm over Mitch. He's still better than Pop though. Please no Bud, Mike Brown or Monty Williams. They are even worse.

[Ice009]

It was just a little banter to posters that were praising Bud after Suns great start of their season.

In the same mold, some posters were also praising Suns' shooting coach to have fixed Ryan Dunn shot. He was 11/25 from 3 for his 5 first games. Since that, he has been 21/81 (.259) from 3.

Oh, right, thanks for explaining. I wasn't sure what you meant as they haven't been doing great by the looks of their record (I haven't watched any of their games).

[DAF86]

Castle and Champagnie, both playing well, at 18 and 15 minutes respectively. Vassell and Sochan, both being ass, at 33 and 27 minutes. This needs to be revisited.

[LeBowen]

Castle and Champagnie, both playing well, at 18 and 15 minutes respectively. Vassell and Sochan, both being ass, at 33 and 27 minutes. This needs to be revisited.

It really doesn't. It's been happening every single game.
We have a development coach in charge of the team and he doesn't have the authority to make any significant changes.
If Collins didn't flip off the ref, he would've never gotten any DNPs.

Outcoached by fucking Billy Donovan.

[Trill Clinton]

Mitch is keeping the seat warm for Monty Williams.

[scott]

Can this Make A Wish experiment be over already?

[LeBowen]

Can this Make A Wish experiment be over already?

I never thought I'd say this, but I'd rather have Brett Brown in charge.

We just lost to a team with zero rim protection whatsoever. Wemby had 8 blocks and they still scored more points in the paint than us.

[100%duncan]

Im out on Mitch. If it is indeed true that he can't bench Keldon, Vassell, Collins because of the higher-ups then fine. But unless proven otherwise, I'm out on him being the coach of the future.

[spursistan]

Yeah i am out on him too. I just want a more seasoned coach to take over from Pop without him being a league retread..

[spursparker9]

Can we book Doc Rivers first. After Bucks fired him in the near future.

[Raven]

i keep repeating myself i guess.. he needs to stop forcing this short rotation

[Spurs Brazil]

Michael C Wright mikecwright
I think this is the first time I’ve seen Mitch Johnson really ticked off and rightfully so.


:lol he coached his worst game of the season. He should come in the press conference and say tonight is on him

[AusSpur]

When the wheels start falling off the team, he really struggles to get the team back on track. And seems really unsure when if and when to challenge calls.

[Manu-of-steel]

Champ and Castle need more playing time. DV ,Sochan and Keldon needs to have limited playing time. Do it, Mitch!

[spursistan]

When the wheels start falling off the team, he really struggles to get the team back on track. And seems really unsure when if and when to challenge calls.
Good point. He had a good start in the first few games and had his team responding well in 3rd quarters, but got lost in the rotations, playing somewhat of favorites, once the whole team got healthy. Seniority/money on contracts trumped basketball reasons...

[Pauleta14]

I called it from the start, and it's not rocket science...

You don't put in charge a rookie coach who furthermore has zero experience at the highest level.

At best he'll take years to learn bc he'll have to make a lot of mistake for it.

It's irresponsible when you have once in a lifetime player

[Mugen]

On the bright side, at least it's not Pop out there :lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

They should take another approach with Wemby’s minutes distribution pattern. I get it that he gets gassed and they want to play him in shorter stints but it’s not the first time they need to take him off with 6 minutes left in a close game and then bring him back in for the last 3 minutes. It throws off the entire rotation and the team rhythm.

[Ice009]

What happened to the Tim Duncan resting pattern? Didn't Tim always play the last 7 or 8 minutes of the 4th quarter. I have no liked the take Victor out at the 6 minute mark and bring him back with a few minutes left. These teams seem to also go on big runs in those moments and it changes the momentum of the games. If Victor can't play 7 or 8 minutes in a row, well then, that is on him.

[dn0774]

Having a legit backup for Vic would help but we gave Collins 17 mill a season when he probably only would’ve gotten a vet min from any other team. But yea, the only way Vic is going to get the wind up to play 8 min stretches is by playing 8 min stretches, even if it’s uncomfortable.

[RC_Drunkford]

It really doesn't. It's been happening every single game.
We have a development coach in charge of the team and he doesn't have the authority to make any significant changes.
If Collins didn't flip off the ref, he would've never gotten any DNPs.

Outcoached by fucking Billy Donovan.

just like his mentor :pop:

Him playing the Tre Jones/Castle/Champagnie/Keldon/Wemby line up for way too long in the 3rd, while having no spacing cause you're playing 3 non-shooters is what really pissed me off

[LeBowen]

I just wonder if there's a single respectable sports journalist in San Antonio, I'm sick of these generic interviews.
Can someone just ask a simple question why is our best shooter sitting in the clutch while we make it easier for opponents by playing non-shooters and players out of rythm?
Is the goal to actually win games or?

[Pauleta14]

On the bright side, at least it's not Pop out there :lol

Such a smart move from Pop to leave Mitch some time so everybody misses him... :lol

This rookie coach experiment needs to stop asap smh

[Pauleta14]

I just wonder if there's a single respectable sports journalist in San Antonio, I'm sick of these generic interviews.
Can someone just ask a simple question why is our best shooter sitting in the clutch while we make it easier for opponents by playing non-shooters and players out of rythm?
Is the goal to actually win games or?


Nah, those guys are the OG Sniffers :lol

Also Sochan, who should never be on the court in the clutch, is the definition of a taboo topic among Spurs fans and observers. Fascinating coping mechanism to justify having to deal with his low IQ and massive limitations for a once in a while good defensive performance... smh

[objective]

You know there will never be videos breaking down the innovations and standout features of the Mitch Johnson offense like what happens with Memphis assistants Tuomas Iisalo or Noah LaRoche.

And what's sad is that while the Spurs have spent years being unable or unwilling to get noteworthy and forward thinking assistants the Grizzlies went out and got 2 up and comers. Meanwhile Pop would forget to hire anyone, be forced to elevate the Austin coach Nielsen because the season was around the corner, cajole Duncan into a favor season, and of course promote Mitch from the Austin bench.

According to the video this past week talking up Iilaso, Splitter has kept up his schemes with some mods, maybe he can our hope for the future, he does pass the 'family' test that might fool them into keeping Mitch. As long as Tiago doesn't teach Wemby the waist high brick shot release.

[Ice009]

You know there will never be videos breaking down the innovations and standout features of the Mitch Johnson offense like what happens with Memphis assistants Tuomas Iisalo or Noah LaRoche.

And what's sad is that while the Spurs have spent years being unable or unwilling to get noteworthy and forward thinking assistants the Grizzlies went out and got 2 up and comers. Meanwhile Pop would forget to hire anyone, be forced to elevate the Austin coach Nielsen because the season was around the corner, cajole Duncan into a favor season, and of course promote Mitch from the Austin bench.

According to the video this past week talking up Iilaso, Splitter has kept up his schemes with some mods, maybe he can our hope for the future, he does pass the 'family' test that might fool them into keeping Mitch. As long as Tiago doesn't teach Wemby the waist high brick shot release.

Where did those Memphis assistants used to work before being hired by the Grizzlies? I'll have to check out some videos of them. Did Tiago work one of them at a previous spot/team?

[LeBowen]

Where did those Memphis assistants used to work before being hired by the Grizzlies? I'll have to check out some videos of them. Did Tiago work one of them at a previous spot/team?

We know Jenkins, Toros and then Bud's assistant in Atlanta and Milwaukee.
Anthony Carter went around, Toros, Kings, Heat player developmenta and finally Grizzlies.
Erik Schmidt is your usual video room guy who makes it.
Noah LaRoche is player development, interesting read: https://www.integrityhoops.com/integrity-hoops
Tuomas Iisalo looks like an offense genius, he won Eurocup and Champions League in back to back seasons with a mediocre team and analytics. Heavily relied on 3pt shooting.
Pat St. Andrews was on Bud's Atlanta and Milwaukee staff, followed Jenkins when he left for Milwaukee.
Jason March is a Grizzlies scout tuned coach.
Joe Boylan went around. Boston, GSW, Kings, NOLA, Memphi.
Patrick Mutombo isn't related to Dikembe, also went around. Toros, Nuggets, Raptors, Suns, Bucks, Grizzlies.

The biggest name is Iisalo, Finnish guy and LaRoche player development coach.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I just wonder if there's a single respectable sports journalist in San Antonio, I'm sick of these generic interviews.
Can someone just ask a simple question why is our best shooter sitting in the clutch while we make it easier for opponents by playing non-shooters and players out of rythm?
Is the goal to actually win games or?

The goal is “development” but we aren’t seeing much of that either. I’d much rather tank for a top 5 pick than finish with the 13th seed. Next 5 games are murder too

[LeBowen]

The goal is “development” but we aren’t seeing much of that either. I’d much rather tank for a top 5 pick than finish with the 13th seed. Next 5 games are murder too

As I said last night, there are no growing pains to be had if 5th and 6th year players are the main reason for our losses.
I'd gladly eat some losses if Castle was the one playing through mistakes. Instead both him and Champagnie are behind Devin, Jeremy and Keldon no matter what they do.

There's a pattern with those three. Last season they were sat in order to get a beter draft position, but the was no difference whatsoever between them and Wesley, Champagnie, Mamu who took their roles, we were .500 in the final stretch of the season, played almost all those games against good teams.

We start the season with those net negatives injured and do really well, they come back and look what's happening.
I just don't understand what's the point? Keldon certainly isn't going to raise his value and killing Jeremy's confidence by having him shoot potential game winners from 3pt over and over again isn't doing much, either.
Especially while you have a great shooter who always does well on the bench, but you also kill his confidence by sitting him down in favor of non-shooters no matter how well he plays.

[baseline bum]

As I said last night, there are no growing pains to be had if 5th and 6th year players are the main reason for our losses.
I'd gladly eat some losses if Castle was the one playing through mistakes. Instead both him and Champagnie are behind Devin, Jeremy and Keldon no matter what they do.

There's a pattern with those three. Last season they were sat in order to get a beter draft position, but the was no difference whatsoever between them and Wesley, Champagnie, Mamu who took their roles, we were .500 in the final stretch of the season, played almost all those games against good teams.

We start the season with those net negatives injured and do really well, they come back and look what's happening.
I just don't understand what's the point? Keldon certainly isn't going to raise his value and killing Jeremy's confidence by having him shoot potential game winners from 3pt over and over again isn't doing much, either.
Especially while you have a great shooter who always does well on the bench, but you also kill his confidence by sitting him down in favor of non-shooters no matter how well he plays.

JFC what an indictment of our horrible coaching staff.

[LeBowen]

JFC what an indictment of our horrible coaching staff.

I honestly can't say if it's just the coaching staff anymore or orders from higher ups who has to play?
I think Mitch has no business being the head coach, but if the most casual fans can see that having Jeremy out there in the clutch isn't a good idea, I'm pretty sure everyone on the bench knows it, they all have eyes and way more basketball knowledge than we do.

This "family values" way of running the franchise is killing us.
Donovan benched Vucevic last night because was useless against Wemby.
Finch is regularly benching Gobert and playing Reid/Randle duo when the matchup requires it. Those are oldest and highest earners on their team.
Meanwhile we're still stuck with charity cases doing whatever they want.
Players aren't that smart, if the coaching staff allows Keldon and Devin to do whatever they want, they'll start thinking it's actually the right thing to do and keep doing it.
We got two of CP3/Tre/Castle/Devin on the floor at all times and yet Keldon will often bring the ball up and initiate sets. Waste of 10 seconds. Just why? What the fuck are they thinking?

The only way out of this is for Wemby to give them a wakeup call. He obviously sees which teammates are huge negatives and hard to play with.

[objective]

Where did those Memphis assistants used to work before being hired by the Grizzlies? I'll have to check out some videos of them. Did Tiago work one of them at a previous spot/team?

Iisalo was Paris head coach, Tiago took his place after Iisalo was hired in Memphis but hadn't coached under him, yet still allegedly kept some of his stuff.

[ambchang]

Mitch was actually doing decent stuff the first few weeks, then strangely the entire rotation and some of the obvious problematic plays came back, bringing back issues so obvious that we can see them. Not sure what’s going on.

[Obstructed_View]

Mitch was actually doing decent stuff the first few weeks, then strangely the entire rotation and some of the obvious problematic plays came back, bringing back issues so obvious that we can see them. Not sure what’s going on.
Halfbrain calls five times a day. Since he gets credit for the wins and losses, Mitch has to listen.

[scott]

JFC what an indictment of our horrible coaching staff.

You, LeBowen, and everyone else who points out these very obvious things just need to be patient. We just don't understand the big picture. The Spurs are doing something, we just don't see it.

[100%duncan]

You, LeBowen, and everyone else who points out these very obvious things just need to be patient. We just don't understand the big picture. The Spurs are doing something, we just don't see it.

:lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I honestly can't say if it's just the coaching staff anymore or orders from higher ups who has to play?
I think Mitch has no business being the head coach, but if the most casual fans can see that having Jeremy out there in the clutch isn't a good idea, I'm pretty sure everyone on the bench knows it, they all have eyes and way more basketball knowledge than we do.


people have said this since the Bryn Forbes era began. There's something deeply wrong with this organisation. The Spurs have been ran like a charity case developmental program for years now and not like an actual basketball franchise. I said this 5 years ago and it's still true. They need to swap out all the old heads everywhere in the organisation and bring in new blood. Pop's former assistant coaches are for the most part better coaches than him at this point, meanwhile his assistans on the Spurs are still clueless followers.

Too much corporate knowledge walked out the door for better jobs elsewhere in the NBA and now the Spurs are stuck in the mud. Hire people with high skillsets instead of trying to develop the janitor into an assistant coach like we've been doing for years.

[objective]

people have said this since the Bryn Forbes era began. There's something deeply wrong with this organisation. The Spurs have been ran like a charity case developmental program for years now and not like an actual basketball franchise. I said this 5 years ago and it's still true. They need to swap out all the old heads everywhere in the organisation and bring in new blood. Pop's former assistant coaches are for the most part better coaches than him at this point, meanwhile his assistans on the Spurs are still clueless followers.

Too much corporate knowledge walked out the door for better jobs elsewhere in the NBA and now the Spurs are stuck in the mud. Hire people with high skillsets instead of trying to develop the janitor into an assistant coach like we've been doing for years.

100%

They don't even know what they're doing when picking up options or doing extensions. They picked up useless options on Branham and Wesley, but never forget they picked up the option for cement shoe low talent fraud Josh Primo AFTER they knew about his repeated exposure issues with team employees, only for him to get caught out for it just 2 weeks after the option. Clowns.

And this was after a year plus of slobbering praise of the glacial unremarkable Primo as THE FUTURE of the franchise when he couldn't even penetrate the three point line without a screen.

And he's had chances with teams since then ... And done nothing. Shouldn't a franchise player like Primo made a triumphant comeback by now with all that talent the Spurs swear they saw in him?

I really think they don't know what's happening at all and anything good is an accident of circumstance. Pop was sniffling, teary eyed on the verge of a breakdown over the idea of losing Bryn The Good Citizen Forbes to another team for more money only for the rest of the league to immediately know his limitations and never pay him much of anything, lol.

They jumped a gun HARD on extending Zollins only for him to be unplayable garbage who routinely loses minutes to an undersized minimum guy with multiple severe leg injuries of his own.

Giving Mitch an undeserved head coach extension without even looking at the rest of any credible candidates would be the Spurs thing to do.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Mitch seemed to start out well, but in hindsight his hot start coincided with Sochan missing time. Sochan’s low IQ, bad shooting brand of BB is killing the Spurs.

[Seventyniner]

Mitch was actually doing decent stuff the first few weeks, then strangely the entire rotation and some of the obvious problematic plays came back, bringing back issues so obvious that we can see them. Not sure what’s going on.

:pop: I'm back, bitches!

[John B]

I don’t see brilliance on Mitch tbh. He’s just going through motion and not doing anything special to win. The last few losses were obviously bad coaching decisions down the stretch. If he cannot ante up in the 4th, it’d be worst in a 7-game series.

[Pauleta14]

Reading so many posters who were praising Mitch no later than a couple of weeks ago, qualifying him as "legit" to take over the job (:lol) and recently doing a U-turn is what makes ST so fun tbh.

The same is slowly but surely happening about Sochan btw

[stnick2261]

Reading so many posters who were praising Mitch no later than a couple of weeks ago, qualifying him as "legit" to take over the job (:lol) and recently doing a U-turn is what makes ST so fun tbh.

The same is slowly but surely happening about Sochan btw

I'm pretty sure the coaching style changes coincided with Pop's statement 3 weeks ago about his status (and excitement about coming back to the bench)

[LeBowen]

I'm pretty sure the coaching style changes coincided with Pop's statement 3 weeks ago about his status (and excitement about coming back to the bench)

It coincided with injured players coming back.
Mitch started off well, did the reasonable thing of removing Collins and we thought that we're only going to get better when Devin and Jeremy return.
But it turns out that Castle/Champagnie are better than those two and Mitch doesn't have the authority to remove Devin adn Jeremy from the starting lineup. He's not blind, he sees we're way worse with those two, but for some reason isn't making the obvious decision.

[John B]

It coincided with injured players coming back.
Mitch started off well, did the reasonable thing of removing Collins and we thought that we're only going to get better when Devin and Jeremy return.
But it turns out that Castle/Champagnie are better than those two and Mitch doesn't have the authority to remove Devin adn Jeremy from the starting lineup. He's not blind, he sees we're way worse with those two, but for some reason isn't making the obvious decision.

You can argue that much, but matching down the stretch? Spurs had Sochan shooting 3 instead of Champ in when they needed a 3 to win, Tre guarding Brunson/Bridges on a comeback when Castle could’ve defended better, etc. The Spurs were playing well on those games, even had big leads but Mitch couldn’t adjust with matchups.

[LeBowen]

You can argue that much, but matching down the stretch? Spurs had Sochan shooting 3 instead of Champ in when they needed a 3 to win, Tre guarding Brunson/Bridges on a comeback when Castle could’ve defended better, etc. The Spurs were playing well on those games, even had big leads but Mitch couldn’t adjust with matchups.

As I wrote the other night, I'm starting to get suspicious that Mitch isn't actually fully in charge.
Even casual fans see that Jeremy shouldn't be out there in the clutch, someone making a living off basketball is definitely aware of the fact.
Anyhow, he's out of his depth and can't be the permanent solution.

[The Truth #6]

Like a lot of coaches he did well with better players. And there's no way he's authorized to stop playing Devin or whatever. I see this as a FO issue mostly with veterans and scrap players outperforming our drafted players. Caveat with Castle who deserves a longer leash.

[spurraider21]

people have said this since the Bryn Forbes era began. There's something deeply wrong with this organisation. The Spurs have been ran like a charity case developmental program for years now and not like an actual basketball franchise. I said this 5 years ago and it's still true. They need to swap out all the old heads everywhere in the organisation and bring in new blood. Pop's former assistant coaches are for the most part better coaches than him at this point, meanwhile his assistans on the Spurs are still clueless followers.

Too much corporate knowledge walked out the door for better jobs elsewhere in the NBA and now the Spurs are stuck in the mud. Hire people with high skillsets instead of trying to develop the janitor into an assistant coach like we've been doing for years.
i remember parker's last big contract feeling kinda bad, but you can understand it for a guy of his stature, who wasnt a "bad" player at the time, but a declining one, but was a team leader and icon.

the first time i really thought "oh fuck, this is awful management" is the 50 mills contract.

[Pauleta14]

I'm pretty sure the coaching style changes coincided with Pop's statement 3 weeks ago about his status (and excitement about coming back to the bench)

Just a correlation imo

Things were easier for Mitch with less options with all the injuries, now he has to make (tough) decisions and doesn't either have the balls or the power to do so.

I wonder if more than the authority, Mitch lacks the distance with guys like Vassell or Keldon that he has been very closed to since their rookies years. Is there a friendly relationship between them? That could be an explanation.

But even if things were better right now, Mitch still wouldn't be qualified for the job bc of his lack of exp at the highest level and young age. The project is too important to leave the keys in the hands of a rookie.

[Pauleta14]

As I wrote the other night, I'm starting to get suspicious that Mitch isn't actually fully in charge.
Even casual fans see that Jeremy shouldn't be out there in the clutch, someone making a living off basketball is definitely aware of the fact.
Anyhow, he's out of his depth and can't be the permanent solution.

It could be simpler than that, PATFO (and a lot of Spurs fans) have made up their mind that Sochan's offensive limitations were outweighed by his defensive impact and seem ready to pay the price, which is him doing dumb mistakes, in the hope I guess that he learns and develop that way.

The pb is that Sochan isn't the type who learns from his mistakes, he likes to repeat the living shit out of them.

[scott]

100%

They don't even know what they're doing when picking up options or doing extensions. They picked up useless options on Branham and Wesley, but never forget they picked up the option for cement shoe low talent fraud Josh Primo AFTER they knew about his repeated exposure issues with team employees, only for him to get caught out for it just 2 weeks after the option. Clowns.

And this was after a year plus of slobbering praise of the glacial unremarkable Primo as THE FUTURE of the franchise when he couldn't even penetrate the three point line without a screen.

And he's had chances with teams since then ... And done nothing. Shouldn't a franchise player like Primo made a triumphant comeback by now with all that talent the Spurs swear they saw in him?

I really think they don't know what's happening at all and anything good is an accident of circumstance. Pop was sniffling, teary eyed on the verge of a breakdown over the idea of losing Bryn The Good Citizen Forbes to another team for more money only for the rest of the league to immediately know his limitations and never pay him much of anything, lol.

They jumped a gun HARD on extending Zollins only for him to be unplayable garbage who routinely loses minutes to an undersized minimum guy with multiple severe leg injuries of his own.

Giving Mitch an undeserved head coach extension without even looking at the rest of any credible candidates would be the Spurs thing to do.

I'm printing out 1000 copies of this and mailing them, individually, to One Spurs Way

[Ice009]

What happened with Bryn Forbes anyway? It was the one period where I didn't really follow what was going on. Did Bryn want to leave or get offered a better contact and Pop was upset about losing him? I thought he was traded?

[Obstructed_View]

What happened with Bryn Forbes anyway? It was the one period where I didn't really follow what was going on. Did Bryn want to leave or get offered a better contact and Pop was upset about losing him? I thought he was traded?

I know he likes to beat on women.

[GAustex]

I know he likes to beat on women.
Bryn was one of poop’s character guys. His make a wish Curry.

[ambchang]

Mitch seemed to start out well, but in hindsight his hot start coincided with Sochan missing time. Sochan’s low IQ, bad shooting brand of BB is killing the Spurs.

Spurs with and without sochan is hugely overblown. The difference has much more to do with schedules than anything. The entire season the spurs have lost winnable games with grey few impressive wins.

With sochan, the only impressive win was against Houston, and maybe the wolves and recently the clippers (mostly due to margins).

Without sochan the impressive wins were OKC and Denver, then maybe Sacramento (the one where we won by 20).

Low iq plays were mostly contributing to the disappointing loses. Sochan was definitely part of it vs Chicago, but Denver really wasn’t him (beside Denver was the better team). Then there was that 27 loss to Sacramento.

Without sochan we lost to the rockets by 27 and LAP by 18, these are disappointing mostly due to margins.

I’d say they are pretty even in terms of impressive wins vs disappointing losses.

[exstatic]

What happened with Bryn Forbes anyway? It was the one period where I didn't really follow what was going on. Did Bryn want to leave or get offered a better contact and Pop was upset about losing him? I thought he was traded?

He left, got a ring in Milwaukee, re-signed here for the purpose of being traded, was and got us a SRP, played one more year, then strong armed a ho at the Hyatt Hill Country resort, and dropped out of sight.

[dbestpro]

Mitch may have peaked. Time for Pops to come back or the Spurs to find a veteran head coach.

[spursistan]

They look like they have quit on him :lol

[Tyronn Lue]

Mike Brown is available

[objective]

What happened with Bryn Forbes anyway? It was the one period where I didn't really follow what was going on. Did Bryn want to leave or get offered a better contact and Pop was upset about losing him? I thought he was traded?

Pop was afraid that Bryn was about to get a giant contract the Spurs wouldn't be able to match. I think he even sat out the bubble to protect his value, either by him and/or his agent or Pop thinking he was doing him a favor.

What happened was nobody cared and he signed for less money than his previous in SA on a mini-mle 1 year deal with Milwaukee. Where he was up and down but won a ring and interestingly, had a very good scoring first round scoring against Miami with 15 points a game, but averaged 18+ over games 2-4 in the sweep and had more total points than Jimmy Butler.

But then the 2nd round started and he had a minutes collapse for the rest of the playoffs, only getting 5 minutes in the closeout of the second round, that had him finishing with 3 DNP-CDs in the last 3 games of the finals and under 10mpg in rounds 3 & 4.

Basically what became obvious after the first round sweep of a broken Miami team was this: Forbes was SO awful on defense, that even surrounding him with prime dpoy and all-defense players like Giannis, Brook Lopez, Jrue and a sound defender in Middleton wasn't enough to cover for his apocalyptic negative impact. Even if was making shots, his defensive anti-gravity was shredding the defense of Giannis, Lopez, and Jrue, finest defenders of their generation, at the sub-atomic level.

Bryn was the Elephant's Foot with a DeBarge mustache and constant shoe-wipes. 90 seconds of exposure with Bryn defending in the half court was certain death.

He never took a single charge in his whole career. Always last in deflections. Ran away from players defending in transition. This was the guy Pop was crying over.

So he gets his ring, can point to the first round against Miami ... Time to get paid! Except ... Everyone saw how terrible he was. Nobody wanted him. Pop gave him a charity raise in his 1 year deal and they were able to trade him out, probably for some second rounder that if ever conveyed high enough was probably sold for cash anyway.

And he was done. He later would be accused of doing things off the court that were most unpleasant. Pop really had a way of bonding with good character guys like Bryn and Josh.

NBA had moved on from paying anything big to no defense shooters, and Bryn wasn't good enough to even be of the Malik Beasley variety, another guy who had to take a minimum before getting an under-mle deal.

But Bryn's radioactive spirit lives on in San Antonio where Malaki Branham had his 4th year option picked up for nebulous reasons. He'll make more than Bryn ever did in a single year without ever even doing the occasional shot making part.

[RC_Drunkford]

i remember parker's last big contract feeling kinda bad, but you can understand it for a guy of his stature, who wasnt a "bad" player at the time, but a declining one, but was a team leader and icon.

the first time i really thought "oh fuck, this is awful management" is the 50 mills contract.

same here tbh. It's been downhill ever since

[Strategic]

Of course there was a string on Mitch, especially when it was learned Pop would be out for an extended period. It just kinda feels the instructions went from “Do the best you can do” to “Do this”. I’d hope the starting line-ups would have been discussed with the other coaches, but then some higher-ups would have a say so. IDK

[Bill_Brasky]

ST ready to do Mitch like

https://media1.tenor.com/m/BSrg4jfHGS8AAAAd/slice-execute.gif

[RC_Drunkford]

Mitch needs to start benching players for fuckin up on the court

[cutewizard]

Guys, is this Coach available for us??

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_FQkKTE6co

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0gmafmp7h8

[Mugen]

Game #40 - When Mitch's long term prospects as a head coach died.

Giving up a 16-0 run to end the 3rd Quarter against a Ja-less Grizzlies team while looking absolutely shell shocked on the sideline.

I don't know if he was trying to pull some Phil Jackson "let them figure it out" bullshit but that was absolutely embarrassing.

Spurs need to find a real coach this offseason. It should absolutely be an outside hire but we all know how this bullshit organization operates :lol

[Raven]

god forbid he ever played a pf

[spursistan]

Yeah, i think that's all she wrote for Mitch..RC Buford better be be arranging coaching interviews as we speak..