BREAKING: Pop is Officially Retiring as HC of the Spurs; Will Now be Team President

[BatManu20]

Finally! End of an era. Hell of a 30-year run Pop, but it's definitely time.


1918331728978165996

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gp9Km60WYAAvhvX?format=jpg&name=large

[jiggy_55]

End of an era ��

[tonight...you]

End of an Era.


Lol, whoops.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://media1.tenor.com/m/JZVi8QDJKsIAAAAC/classic-black-and-white.gif

[BatManu20]

Get Taylor Jenkins on the phone stat tbh.

[spurraider21]

Thanks for everything Pop. A GOAT in his time.

[NASpurs]

What a beautiful day.

[Dex]

There it is. Hopefully people can un-wad their panties now insisting he was gonna force his way back.

Thanks for everything, Pop. End of an era, and I'm glad he will still be involved. Truly one of the GOAT coaches and we were lucky to have him at the helm.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1918332286560280968

[RC_Drunkford]

For real though, thanks for everything Pop. He built a dynasty. That was the right decision to make. Let him Pat Riley the situation and let's get a hungry headcoach, so we can get back to winning. Also good that they made the decision before the lottery. The new coach should be hired before the draft process.

[scott]

Glad this news is coming now… so long as it is not followed by news that Mitch Johnson is being hired.

I have mixed feelings about him staying on as President of BBall operations. I don’t want the next HC to feel like they are living in Pop’s shadow or don’t have the autonomy they need… I also don’t want Brian Wright feeling like he is not empowered to do what he needs to do… let Brian cook! (To be fair, Brian may already feel completely empowered).

On the flip side, Pop remaining at President does provide continuity and Wemby seems to like Pop, so that’s important.

I’m thinking that a coaching hire may be be announced soon and that they’ve held off on announcing this while they finalize that deal. It won’t be Becky, considering the Aces have a game TODAY and they had plenty of opportunity to do that deal without disrupting the Aces season if they wanted to (which the Spurs won’t care about, but Becky likely will).

I’m thinking it will be Mitch or Jenkins.

[ginobilized]

Thanks for the years of excellence, Pop! Thanks for stepping out of the coach's seat, too.

[benefactor]

https://media4.giphy.com/media/SBI7lnqk2NaA8/giphy.gif

[ffadicted]

The fucking GOAT. Happy for him, I think it was the right decision for his health and well being. Awesome that he's sticking with the team in some fashion though.


You're a legend Pop, thanks for everything

[ralph nyc]

Amazing run by pop. Wemby at least got to get some coaching from pop before he retired.

[scott]

Finally! End of an era. Hell of a 30-year run Pop, but it's time.

Next stop: Hall of Fame.



Our GOAT is already in the HOF, tbh.

[Leetonidas]

GOAT coach. regardless of how he has performed the last few years he is a Spurs legend and deserves the fan bases respect. Thanks for everything Pop.

[NASpurs]

This site is running like ass though.

[itzsoweezee]

Congrats to the GOAT

[cutewizard]

Wow! Just wow

This means the Spurs are serious about contending now.....

Great move!

Now, do we go for Giannis or Durant????

[Bill_Brasky]

Thanks for everything, Pop. Can't ever replace the good memories.

[thOOdee]

Best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be. Thanks pop.

[cutewizard]

Who will be the new Head Coach????

[vy65]

My favorite coach of all time. We wouldn't be anywhere near where we are without him. Inspired me to be a lovable asshole to people. Worldly, articulate, and fucking smart. It was definitely time, but still sad to see him go (upstairs).

Now let's hire Jenkins and get this bitch cooking.

[Mal]

Thank you Pop for everything, but now take care of yourself.

[vy65]

Glad this news is coming now… so long as it is not followed by news that Mitch Johnson is being hired.

I have mixed feelings about him staying on as President of BBall operations. I don’t want the next HC to feel like they are living in Pop’s shadow or don’t have the autonomy they need… I also don’t want Brian Wright feeling like he is not empowered to do what he needs to do… let Brian cook! (To be fair, Brian may already feel completely empowered).

On the flip side, Pop remaining at President does provide continuity and Wemby seems to like Pop, so that’s important.

I’m thinking that a coaching hire may be be announced soon and that they’ve held off on announcing this while they finalize that deal. It won’t be Becky, considering the Aces have a game TODAY and they had plenty of opportunity to do that deal without disrupting the Aces season if they wanted to (which the Spurs won’t care about, but Becky likely will).

I’m thinking it will be Mitch or Jenkins.

Inshallah habibi, inshallah

[scott]

One note… Shams’ wording is interesting… he doesn’t say Pop is retiring… he is saying “Pop will no longer coach the Spurs”.

Honestly, doesn’t really matter… but stood out to me.

[cutewizard]

I'm getting Bud vibes right now guys

Hmmmmmm

[SpurPadre]

Thank you for everything you have done for the team and now will continue to do as team president, Pop. You’re the Greatest coach of All-Time. Here’s to your health!

[Davidicus]

Thank you, Pop.

For everything.

Unbelievable.

You are the GOAT.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/Xi4wcT-GdE0?si=_q8sbSpazLQdEJfI

[K...]

One note… Shams’ wording is interesting… he doesn’t say Pop is retiring… he is saying “Pop will no longer coach the Spurs”.

Honestly, doesn’t really matter… but stood out to me.

Retirement is a legal or contract term. It would trigger the contract ending while modifications do not. So that's likely why. Retirement would take a buyout.

[manufan10]

1918338081285120429

[ace3g]

https://x.com/spurs/status/1918336064126681210

[Leetonidas]

1918338081285120429

God fucking dammit :pctoss

[benefactor]

I know we all want to jump real quickly on what is going to happen next, but let's take a little time and appreciate the man.

I've been worried about his health for a while now, so i'm glad he made this decision. I do find myself a little emotional. It is the closing of the door on an era. During a time of my life when everything was coming apart, I had the Spurs. I had Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Pop walks away over a quarter of a century later with five championships, and the title of the greatest of all time.

Thank you Pop. Thank you so much for everything. It was a great time to be alive.

[BatManu20]

1918338081285120429

Jesus Christ.

[benefactor]

https://x.com/spurs/status/1918336064126681210
:cry

[timtonymanu]

1918338081285120429

Lol wtf Spurs. Already being retarded, I see.

[manufan10]

1918338945882177973

[itzsoweezee]

1918338081285120429

You have got to be kidding me. Making this announcement just so you can appoint Mitch Johnson full time, while there is a plethora of high quality coaches out there, without a competitive interview process? This is not a serious basketball organization.

[benefactor]

1918338081285120429
Welp, this just ruined my flood of emotions lol

[timtonymanu]

If the spurs don’t make the playoffs next year, fire Mitch’s ass immediately. This is a make or break season for him. No more wasting time with this bullshit.

[r0drig0lac]

sad

[TekXX]

Ok but the man was here wayyy tooo long, y'all act like he did something the last 10 years. We're stuck with Wright and Johnson? No things will not be getting better.

[Spursfanfromafar]

It was definitely time but it is also time to recognise Pop as being among the GOATs of coaching across sport. What a career.

[Devi8or]

Mitch seems like a good guy and a capable coach to an extent, but he's probably not the guy who should be leading this team....could end up being a good hire or a complete missed opportunity if he fails with all the candidates out there atm

[vy65]

I fucking hate Marc Stein

[SpursFan86]

Even though it’s definitely time (both seemingly from a health standpoint as well as the quality of coaching the past few years), this is still very bittersweet. I’ve been following the Spurs for Spurs for well over 20 years and have never known another head coach which is pretty insane to think about in this day and age of coaching carousels :lolThanks for everything, Pop. Now it’s time to look forward and focus on bringing in the best candidate. My vote would be for Jenkins.

[manufan10]

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[vy65]

"Promoting from within" is absolutely something they'd do. They've always valued continuity. Which is a fucking shame because there is value in bringing outside perspectives. Jenkins has a better resume that Mitch to boot.

[vy65]

And there it is .... fuck

[Leetonidas]

1918341007717855562

Wtf man. Did the spurs even attempt to interview anyone else or are they hiring Mitch by default since he's cheap? No offense to Mitch but he did notice to prove that he is worthy of being a HC. Maybe he proves us wrong but seemed too often he was trying to do what Pop would do or what he thinks Pop would do. They better hire some new assistants otherwise the same trash defensive philosophy will never change

[Leetonidas]

1918341007717855562

Wtf man. Did the spurs even attempt to interview anyone else or are they hiring Mitch by default since he's cheap? No offense to Mitch but he did notice to prove that he is worthy of being a HC. Maybe he proves us wrong but seemed too often he was trying to do what Pop would do or what he thinks Pop would do. They better hire some new assistants otherwise the same trash defensive philosophy will never change

[RC_Drunkford]

Just when you thought there was some hope, this FO is reminding you that there are still a lot of idiots left in the organization :pctoss

[Racspur1]

I know we all want to jump real quickly on what is going to happen next, but let's take a little time and appreciate the man.

I've been worried about his health for a while now, so i'm glad he made this decision. I do find myself a little emotional. It is the closing of the door on an era. During a time of my life when everything was coming apart, I had the Spurs. I had Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Pop walks away over a quarter of a century later with five championships, and the title of the greatest of all time.

Thank you Pop. Thank you so much for everything. It was a great time to be alive.

Exactly the same for me in 2005 :toast :bobo

[Devi8or]

Whelp, I'm a bit underwhelmed, but I guess we ride with Coach Mitch. Time to make some moves. Go Spurs Go

[SpurPadre]

So, Bud is right there and they’re still sticking with Mitch?!

[Joseph Kony]

:lol spurs are so predictable man, fucking sad. expect more of the same shit next season

[TekXX]

The Spurs have turned into the Dallas Cowboys. Mitch didn't earn the job but he's a young coach who will do as he's told.

[onechance87]

This is the same dumbass coach who wouldnt sit cp3 or vassell in favor of castle.

[Joseph Kony]

also this news is going to crash the site, which has been running like absolute dog shit lately :lol

[Mugen]

Fucking awful :lol

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Wtf man. Did the spurs even attempt to interview anyone else or are they hiring Mitch by default since he's cheap? No offense to Mitch but he did notice to prove that he is worthy of being a HC. Maybe he proves us wrong but seemed too often he was trying to do what Pop would do or what he thinks Pop would do. They better hire some new assistants otherwise the same trash defensive philosophy will never change


Pop gets to keep pulling the strings through his little bitch Mitch. That's all this is.

Joke front office and ownership. Wemby, Steph, Fox, and you're going to trot out a dumpster dive of a head coach just so the geriatric dictator can maintain control.

[itzsoweezee]

Mitch has a decade of experience from within the organization. Unfortunately, it also happens to include the longest, most incompetent stretch for the franchise.

[scottspurs]

Legend! Glad he is sticking around to help transition into the next era. He created the Spurs basketball culture and he deserves the right to oversee what comes next.

5-time NBA Champion, 6 Finals appearances, 22 consecutive playoff appearances, Coached USA to Olympic Gold. Perfectly tanked for Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyama! Most NBA wins as a Head coach. 3-time NBA Coach of the Year! The most extensive and best coaching tree ever. Orchestrated the most beautiful basketball comeback and team basketball ever in 2014.

Godfather of Spurs Basketball! Mount Rushmore of Spurs basketball alongside Robinson, Duncan and a spot hopefully reserved for Wemby! Thanks Pop for bringing the discipline, dedication, passion and humor that led to so many amazing memories as a Spurs fan.

[vy65]

"Promoting from within" is absolutely something they'd do. They've always valued continuity. Which is a fucking shame because there is value in bringing outside perspectives. Jenkins has a better resume that Mitch to boot.

hate being right

[timtonymanu]

2nd active longest playoff drought and this is how they respond to a coaching change? You already know their biggest offseason move this summer is not bringing back Mamu or some shit like that. :lol

[GAustex]

Great news for the Spurs

[Devi8or]

The Mitch hiring aside, thanks to Pop for 30 years of Spurs basketball. I've been watching since I was a teenager and have been fortunate enough to have one of the best franchises to follow. Pop, The Big 3, and a lot of players in between have molded my love for basketball. I hope we can continue to play meaningful basketball with Pop in a new role. As great of a coach as he's been, he's an even better person and I hope he finds success in the front office for a lot more years, I know he'll be poking his head into that coaches room still though

[Chomag]

He isn't retiring, them keeping mitch means he gets to continue coaching from the office.

This would be laughable if it wasn't for us possibility losing Wemby in a couple of seasons

[slick'81]

Good for pop .welcome to the mitch Johnson era

[The Truth #6]

I don't see how they announced this without already having a successor in place.

[J_Paco]

Wtf man. Did the spurs even attempt to interview anyone else or are they hiring Mitch by default since he's cheap? No offense to Mitch but he did notice to prove that he is worthy of being a HC. Maybe he proves us wrong but seemed too often he was trying to do what Pop would do or what he thinks Pop would do. They better hire some new assistants otherwise the same trash defensive philosophy will never change


Wtf man. Did the spurs even attempt to interview anyone else or are they hiring Mitch by default since he's cheap? No offense to Mitch but he did notice to prove that he is worthy of being a HC. Maybe he proves us wrong but seemed too often he was trying to do what Pop would do or what he thinks Pop would do. They better hire some new assistants otherwise the same trash defensive philosophy will never change



Fuck, this guy sucked as the interim coach and will likely be fired within the next two to three years.

Terrible decision to not go with someone outside the organization. SMDH

Anyway, I do appreciate Pop, hope he does well in his continued recovery & new role with the organization. He is easily the greatest coach in Spurs history and will forever be linked with Timmy - Manu - Tony trio.

I wonder if coach Bud would be willing to return as an assistant coach under Mitch Johnson?

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Thanks, Pop!

Get dettt vino

[J_Paco]

He isn't retiring, them keeping mitch means he gets to continue coaching from the office.

This would be laughable if it wasn't for us possibility losing Wemby in a couple of seasons

What?!

The team is improving, added a star PG, has two first-round picks in a loaded draft but you are worried about Wemby leaving?!

I doubt a 70+ year old stroke survive will be busy enough to undermine one of his proteges, man. He'll have input on player personnel, but the X's and O's is likely all Mitch (Lord help us).

[rankingtear]

Thanks Pop. Still underrated on how he willed a championship level team for close to 20 years in a small market.

[TekXX]

This organization is kinda cheap. First replacing Bill Land with that young dude who constantly reminds you he's native and now hiring Johnson who will definitely be cheaper than some of the other names out there.

[TimmehC]

I wanted Jenkins, but it seems like Pop and Brian and whoever else decided continuity is more important than proven success. For now we just have to roll with it and hope he doesn't have a very long leash if he fails.

Edit: if Brown/Bud don't get head coaching gigs somewhere, I'd love to see them back in SA as assistants. Would also give us someone to turn to if Mitch isn't working out

[Russo21]

Byebye grandpa. Go visit Erin

[spurraider21]

Pop had to fuck us one more time on his way out with the Bitch Johnson hire

[pad300]

1918338945882177973

"Strong backing from the organization"; presumably that means that Wemby and his people approve...

[Mugen]

Man, what was supposed to be a glorious day with the old man retiring just had to be shitted on by the Mitch hire :lol

[mudyez]

GOAT!

[T Park]

He isn't retiring, them keeping mitch means he gets to continue coaching from the office.

This would be laughable if it wasn't for us possibility losing Wemby in a couple of seasons


Laughable idiocy.

Typical for this place anymore

[T Park]

"Strong backing from the organization"; presumably that means that Wemby and his people approve...

Advocated for in public and behind the scenes

[pad300]

Advocated for in public and behind the scenes

Assuming that you're actually "in the know", then there was no real choice on part of the FO, it had to Mitch. Fine, it's on Wemby to lead us to the promised land (again)...

[biziofromdowntown]

What a run. Thanks for everything Pop. You will be forever The Coach, from my teen yrs to a man with a family. Thanks for the memories.

[John B]

Happy for Pop. And still on the helm. He’ll bring a winner if Mitch does not cut it.

[Robz4000]

Its been time for awhile, but he's still the GOAT tbh. Thanks for everything, Pop.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I cannot believe it. Gregg Popovich NOT the coach of the San Antonio Spurs?

This day was always coming, and it is time, but it feels so surreal. Holy shit, dude, time really does just move on, no matter who you are.


Here's to the future, and here's to Pop! What a legend!

[exstatic]

I wanted Jenkins, but it seems like Pop and Brian and whoever else decided continuity is more important than proven success. For now we just have to roll with it and hope he doesn't have a very long leash if he fails.

Edit: if Brown/Bud don't get head coaching gigs somewhere, I'd love to see them back in SA as assistants. Would also give us someone to turn to if Mitch isn't working out

Y’know,I think Jenkins could have been the choice, but let’s not act like he didn’t get bounced out as a 2 seed.

[Ice009]

Glad this news is coming now… so long as it is not followed by news that Mitch Johnson is being hired.

I have mixed feelings about him staying on as President of BBall operations. I don’t want the next HC to feel like they are living in Pop’s shadow or don’t have the autonomy they need… I also don’t want Brian Wright feeling like he is not empowered to do what he needs to do… let Brian cook! (To be fair, Brian may already feel completely empowered).

On the flip side, Pop remaining at President does provide continuity and Wemby seems to like Pop, so that’s important.

I’m thinking that a coaching hire may be be announced soon and that they’ve held off on announcing this while they finalize that deal. It won’t be Becky, considering the Aces have a game TODAY and they had plenty of opportunity to do that deal without disrupting the Aces season if they wanted to (which the Spurs won’t care about, but Becky likely will).

I’m thinking it will be Mitch or Jenkins.

Just got on Spurstalk and got all this shit at once. I thought good for Pop to step down, but then reading through the tread, yep, darn, they hired Mitch.


I wanted Jenkins, but it seems like Pop and Brian and whoever else decided continuity is more important than proven success. For now we just have to roll with it and hope he doesn't have a very long leash if he fails.

Edit: if Brown/Bud don't get head coaching gigs somewhere, I'd love to see them back in SA as assistants. Would also give us someone to turn to if Mitch isn't working out

The thing that shits me is if Mitch doesn't work out, there's not going to be any of these good coaches left :(.

[Tyronn Lue]

These coaches being fired left and right aren't "good" coaches. They are just names. Bud stopped coaching after the ring. Give Mitch a chance.

[Spurs Brazil]

Thanks for everything Pop. You're the best.

[Russ]

It's too bad these things seem to happen at low points rather than high ones.

Duncan retires after they lose to OKC, now Pop retires after this year.

Anyway, congrats Pop. :toast

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBA/status/1918399360338997752

[rjv]

Bittersweet moment. Sorry to see him go out without getting to coach his last season all the way through but happy to hear that he is staying on as a big part of the organization.

[TD 21]

will likely be fired within the next two to three years.

More than likely, the only way he's not a long term fixture, is if it's for a health reason or Wembanyama (who was onboard with this decision) decides he doesn't want him to be.



These coaches being fired left and right aren't "good" coaches. They are just names. Bud stopped coaching after the ring. Give Mitch a chance.

A combination of results and secondhand information via media (who often have agendas) or fans of a particular team, influence people, most of whom barely or altogether don't watch said team and have rudimentary x's and o's knowledge, what to think and before long it becomes groupthink.

[weeks]

thanks for everything, coach pop. you'll never be forgotten and you'll never be replaced.

[LeBowen]

Was expected and long overdue, kind of a sad way to go considering everything he's accomplished, but it's the Spurs way.
Hopefully team president thing is just a token title and he won't interfere with anything.

[baseline bum]

I wanted Jenkins, but it seems like Pop and Brian and whoever else decided continuity is more important than proven success. For now we just have to roll with it and hope he doesn't have a very long leash if he fails.

Edit: if Brown/Bud don't get head coaching gigs somewhere, I'd love to see them back in SA as assistants. Would also give us someone to turn to if Mitch isn't working out

Ugh continuity is good when you're a 58 win team, not so much when you're a 34 win team.

[Gibbz]

Love ya, Pop. Thanks for everything. :lobt::lobt::lobt::lobt::lobt:

[dbestpro]

Guess we will remain 2 years away for about 10 more years.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1918448861078790179

https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1918444858643235211

[Slippy]

Finally. Should of transitioned sooner.

Pop will still have an influence on the team.

[heyheymymy]

https://i.giphy.com/3oeSB5zzvEMyMZJT0Y.webp

[poopbox]

Glad this news is coming now… so long as it is not followed by news that Mitch Johnson is being hired.

I have mixed feelings about him staying on as President of BBall operations. I don’t want the next HC to feel like they are living in Pop’s shadow or don’t have the autonomy they need… I also don’t want Brian Wright feeling like he is not empowered to do what he needs to do… let Brian cook! (To be fair, Brian may already feel completely empowered).

On the flip side, Pop remaining at President does provide continuity and Wemby seems to like Pop, so that’s important.

I’m thinking that a coaching hire may be be announced soon and that they’ve held off on announcing this while they finalize that deal. It won’t be Becky, considering the Aces have a game TODAY and they had plenty of opportunity to do that deal without disrupting the Aces season if they wanted to (which the Spurs won’t care about, but Becky likely will).

I’m thinking it will be Mitch or Jenkins.

:lmao

[PhantomDashCam]

What a career.

We’ll all remember the wins, the championships.
Some will focus on the stubbornness, tough losses, the anachronistic methodology.

But most of the players, people and personnel closest to Pop will remember the person.

Ask yourself honestly, how many of us would have the fortitude/knowledge/respect to remain as constant and consistent as what Pop has been to the Spurs family as if it was your own?

Truly a great man. Wishing him well during the next phase of his career.

[BatManu20]

This is how I'll remember him.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gp9eIhrWsAAirWK?format=jpg&name=medium

[Dod01]

Pop, you will be missed, no question! So many great memories for me with Pop as the coach of the Spurs, especially the last 22-23 years.

[poopbox]

So, Bud is right there and they’re still sticking with Mitch?!

Bud who been fired from his last two jobs?

No thanks.

[quentin_compson]

Considering some of the tributes to Pop from people like Becky, Udoka, and Kerr, it's quite heart-warming to see how beloved Pop seems to be by many people in the NBA community. Truly a testament to not only him as a coach but also him as a person.

[Russo21]

Fucking finally the old man is gone officially. What an overrated and overhyped old shitbag he is. Let's hope the team president thing is just a token title and he won't interfere with any basketball related activity and decisions. So glad he's finally fucken gone and wont ever be seen on the sidelines representing San Antonio ever again. What an old overrated piece of shit he is and has been. Hope he enjoys the rest of his life drinking through a straw. Peace out Pop. Hope you'll be visiting Erin soon. Actually not, cause it'd be fun to see you suffer for a few decades shitting your diaper and having your ass wiped by nurses. Byebye

[GAustex]

Good for you Russo
Mike drop

[Dod01]

Good for you Russo
Mike drop

The party of God and Jesus

[GAustex]

The party of God and Jesus
Go torch a Tesla loser

[Dod01]

Go torch a Tesla loser

The party of God and Jesus. The irony is that most of you right-wingers are going to hell after you all pass here. Better enjoy it while you can, because it's not going to be worth it.

[exstatic]

Aaaaaand the garbage finally crawls out of the woodwork.

[GAustex]

Fucking finally the old man is gone officially. What an overrated and overhyped old shitbag he is. Let's hope the team president thing is just a token title and he won't interfere with any basketball related activity and decisions. So glad he's finally fucken gone and wont ever be seen on the sidelines representing San Antonio ever again. What an old overrated piece of shit he is and has been. Hope he enjoys the rest of his life drinking through a straw. Peace out Pop. Hope you'll be visiting Erin soon. Actually not, cause it'd be fun to see you suffer for a few decades shitting your diaper and having your ass wiped by nurses. Byebye

[bluebellmaniac]

Fire Pop!

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Aaaaaand the garbage finally crawls out of the woodwork.

You always nail it with short words!

[The Truth #6]

Tangent: no obligatory post by Timvp about Pop stepping down? Sounds like confirmation they are both retired.

[Mugen]

The Rockets getting embarrassed by the Warriors makes a ton of sense when you find out that Pop called Ime with some coaching tips before the game 7 :lol

[BatManu20]

Pop can barely fucking walk. Insane that this guy was our HC just a few months ago.

1919426274797269144

[Ice009]

Holy crap man, that's not good :(. Didn't realize it was that bad.

Would the amount of wine he used to drink maybe contributed to it happening? I thought he had a pretty healthy lifestyle and he also tried to stay in shape physically, so I'm trying to figure out why it happened. Only thing I can think of is that he may have drank quite a bit of wine, but I'm not sure, maybe he didn't and only had a glass or two per day. Man, that sucks seeing him that way. I didn't think it was anywhere near that bad.

Another thing, I always thought he knew how to relax more than other head coaches and not take basketball too seriously, so I always thought his stress levels aren't as high as some other coaches. This is really f'd up as it's so hard to figure out why these things happen to certain people.


The Rockets getting embarrassed by the Warriors makes a ton of sense when you find out that Pop called Ime with some coaching tips before the game 7 :lol

Is that right? Did he actually talk to Pop before game 7?

[Mugen]

Porky should have flown out tbh.

[BatManu20]

Rough.

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1919431612573385133

[ginobilized]

Sad to see that he is still in recovery from the stroke. Looks like his left side is not quite working yet.
It's going to be interesting to see how he progresses. This will be a true year of transition. It doesn't appear that he will be fully functional anytime soon.

Seeing him like this is pretty sobering. He was in fantastic shape, has full access to the best of the best in medical treatment and physical therapy and is barely walking 6 months after what was termed a mild stroke.

[manufor3]

That's actually pretty solid progress for a 76-year old only 6 months after having a stroke. That he is walking and talking without massive pauses is a huge step. I've had family friends much younger than him completely debilitated by a stroke even years later. But yeah, you can see that he still has a ways to go in his rehab, especially considering it looks like he doesn't have much movement on his left side.

[vy65]

Fucking brutal to see that

[SPURt]

Boy that’s a tough watch. Father Time is a mean son of a bitch.

[pookenstein]

Wow, that was hard to stomach. Good to see he is doing better and his mind seems to be there, but fuck, his body is a wreck.

[Spurs Homer]

It was brutal watching the pop presser and I almost lost it looking at timmy wincing...

but pop actually - mentally seems - to be still holding it together ...

I sure hope that his judgment on choosing Mitch was the correct call...and I am disappointed - but after hearing the mitch q & a -
it makes me want to root for the guy...

just not sure if pops judgement is impaired and spurs fans are in for a tough couple of seasons and wemby getting disenchanted...
or...

maybe some really positive outcomes?

[quentin_compson]

Really tough to see that - no matter how well he probably is in shape comparatively for a stroke victim his age. Nice to see Manu and Timmy helping him, though.

[SpurSpike]

Holy crap man, that's not good :(. Didn't realize it was that bad.

Would the amount of wine he used to drink maybe contributed to it happening? I thought he had a pretty healthy lifestyle and he also tried to stay in shape physically, so I'm trying to figure out why it happened. Only thing I can think of is that he may have drank quite a bit of wine, but I'm not sure, maybe he didn't and only had a glass or two per day. Man, that sucks seeing him that way. I didn't think it was anywhere near that bad.

Another thing, I always thought he knew how to relax more than other head coaches and not take basketball too seriously, so I always thought his stress levels aren't as high as some other coaches. This is really f'd up as it's so hard to figure out why these things happen to certain people.



Is that right? Did he actually talk to Pop before game 7?

No that is incorrect. They did talk but it was not before game 7 it was before game 6 and the Rockets won that game.

[Dex]

Man, I hate seeing him like this. :cry

Obviously, it was time to give up the keys to the team.

But I am still worried about Pop, the person.

[objective]

I wonder if he was actually quite a bit 'better' than this before the recent fall and ambulance ride, whether that set him backwards to the current state.

Because I can't imagine any sane person thinking that he could come back and coach anywhere close to this state.

[scott]

It was brutal watching the pop presser and I almost lost it looking at timmy wincing...

but pop actually - mentally seems - to be still holding it together ...

I sure hope that his judgment on choosing Mitch was the correct call...and I am disappointed - but after hearing the mitch q & a -
it makes me want to root for the guy...

just not sure if pops judgement is impaired and spurs fans are in for a tough couple of seasons and wemby getting disenchanted...
or...

maybe some really positive outcomes?

This was my impression as well, he seems to be doing a lot better mentally than physically which I'm happy to see.

We don't know how his recent "setback" played into this, but unbelievable if he or the the team ever seriously thought he could return to coaching.

Glad he's still got his wits about him though and is getting treatment.

GSG.

[spursistan]

I wonder if he was actually quite a bit 'better' than this before the recent fall and ambulance ride, whether that set him backwards to the current state.

Because I can't imagine any sane person thinking that he could come back and coach anywhere close to this state.
That was most likely the case as he was spotted driving himself to the practice facility a day prior to the team's announcement of Wemby diagnosis. He wouldn't be doing that in the shape he looked in today.. Mentally he still sharp by the looks of it, but the physical degradation is noticeable in his gait and bodily gestures.

[Splits]

putting the emotions of seeing Pop like that aside, the rest of that presser was embarrassing. Team Friendship has officially infiltrated the FO and the Spurs "media". Those were some of the most pitiful questions asked of a new head coach imaginable, as if Pop was going to run to the podium and yell at them "stop asking these kind of questions, that's not who we are!" if they implied the meekest of criticism.

[dn0774]

Just goes to show that calling a stroke "mild" just isn't a fitting way to describe what he endured. Seeing him today 6 months removed from his medical event was understandably a shock to most of us, but stepping back and taking a wider view of where he appears to be health wise (mentally and physically) I honestly couldn't be prouder of him. Clearly he has been busting his ass and I think that goal of coming back to coach next season (even if it was always a massive long shot) served as a motivating beacon of sorts. Pop facing cameras and speaking his remarks at the press conference was also a huge hurdle.

Overall, for a man his age to have a stroke what we saw today should probably be considered a great outcome. He was sharp and witty upstairs, the body will be a work in progress going forward.

[Maddog]

I wonder if he was actually quite a bit 'better' than this before the recent fall and ambulance ride, whether that set him backwards to the current state.

Because I can't imagine any sane person thinking that he could come back and coach anywhere close to this state.

I suspect it was probably clear to all he wasn't coming back after the initial event. Like most strong willed individuals probably some denial and the organization reasonably let things slowly come together. I always found what little information given was pretty vague.

[FlAVaK]

(reply at splits)

you mean like trump calling reporters nasty

this presser was all about pop not mitch
questions will get tougher going on

[The Truth #6]

Questions will get tougher? Personally, I doubt that. SA Media: "That's not who we are!!"

[scott]

Between Holt Jr, Brian and Mitch - we aren't winning any media charisma awards anytime soon.

Couldn't tell if Holt Jr was just emotional because it was a big Pop moment, or if he was just a coked up, bumbling idiot. Either way, they probably shouldn't let him in front of a microphone anymore and have RC speak on his behalf instead.

[heyheymymy]

Trust in Mitch. Wish Pop the best. And go Spurs go

[heyheymymy]

wow what an impressive and genuine gesture from DJ Murray to participate. Really family move from DJ and warms my heart to see him show love to Pop. I know the two had a father son bond and I think it shows Pop was a good coach that all these names past and present surround and lift him up.

[Maddog]

wow what an impressive and genuine gesture from DJ Murray to participate. Really family move from DJ and warms my heart to see him show love to Pop. I know the two had a father son bond and I think it shows Pop was a good coach that all these names past and present surround and lift him up.

DJM was there for Mitch.
Pop wasn't expected to be there

[Ice009]

wow what an impressive and genuine gesture from DJ Murray to participate. Really family move from DJ and warms my heart to see him show love to Pop. I know the two had a father son bond and I think it shows Pop was a good coach that all these names past and present surround and lift him up.

He could have been there because of Mitch too, though. I'd like to think he was there for both equally.

[benefactor]

putting the emotions of seeing Pop like that aside, the rest of that presser was embarrassing. Team Friendship has officially infiltrated the FO and the Spurs "media". Those were some of the most pitiful questions asked of a new head coach imaginable, as if Pop was going to run to the podium and yell at them "stop asking these kind of questions, that's not who we are!" if they implied the meekest of criticism.
No one is going to criticize anything at a presser like that. They can see what we can see...Pop it's in pretty bad physical shape. And honestly, it's not an appropriate time to do it

But all that said it's obvious what's happening here. Pop was forced to give up control because his body simply won't allow him to do his job...a job he is not ready to give up. This is the reason no one was interviewed. Having someone come in and do it their way is something he is not ready for...mostly because he is still dealing with the fact he was forced out. It's easier to give the job to Mitch. Along with his physical problems, he doesn't have to deal with someone who might think differently than him or will go against ideas he might suggest.

It creates uncertainty for the fans and the organization, but Pop doesn't care about that. He is an old man who has loved a thing for a very long time and simply can't let it go. Part of me can sort of understand but it's frustrating nonetheless.

[Tyronn Lue]

I'm glad he's alive and coherent. Seeing him like that hurts my heart.

[100%duncan]

What a hard watch. Pop and the big 3 made up my childhood and adolescence. The videos of Pop, Tim and Manu together are very bittersweet.

[100%duncan]

PS Tony should've flown out tbh wtf

[Brazil]

Dat presser was brutal tbh.. I found nice he tried to be humorous with the el jefe… but tough. Also very cool to have Manu and Tim around for him. We can argue about Mitch and pop not letting go and FO is shit and blabla… but this is also why I love this franchise, there are a family with bunch of issues like all family but I take that over the 17 lakers bling bling titles any day of the week

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/4OHLy21eCq0?si=4xrlgQYQPKqQFDtE

[cutewizard]

This one has the best audio....

Permission to post again gentlemen

.................................


https://youtu.be/_0ycUjD7V4Y?si=i2gNGbudRNhvkzl_

[scott]

Dat presser was brutal tbh.. I found nice he tried to be humorous with the el jefe… but tough. Also very cool to have Manu and Tim around for him. We can argue about Mitch and pop not letting go and FO is shit and blabla… but this is also why I love this franchise, there are a family with bunch of issues like all family but I take that over the 17 lakers bling bling titles any day of the week

Really good points and post.

As much as I've been frustrated to hell by PATFO the last few years, I would take the last ~30 years and the way we went about things (homegrown titles, sustained excellence) over the way the Lakers conduct business.

I do wish the current FO held higher standards for on the court performance, but it's a trade off that at the end of the day I'll happily accept.

[heyheymymy]

good point about Mitch and DJM that's true the two also have that historical link going back

[cutewizard]

Spurs, the best role model on this Earth

Meanwhile, shame on corrupt institutions and systems.....they make this planet a wicked place

[gilmor2002]

No one is going to criticize anything at a presser like that. They can see what we can see...Pop it's in pretty bad physical shape. And honestly, it's not an appropriate time to do it

But all that said it's obvious what's happening here. Pop was forced to give up control because his body simply won't allow him to do his job...a job he is not ready to give up. This is the reason no one was interviewed. Having someone come in and do it their way is something he is not ready for...mostly because he is still dealing with the fact he was forced out. It's easier to give the job to Mitch. Along with his physical problems, he doesn't have to deal with someone who might think differently than him or will go against ideas he might suggest.

It creates uncertainty for the fans and the organization, but Pop doesn't care about that. He is an old man who has loved a thing for a very long time and simply can't let it go. Part of me can sort of understand but it's frustrating nonetheless.

Technically Pop should have retired 2 years ago when we got Wemby. But he was too proud and stubborn to give up coaching. A successor should have been found 2 years ago.. be it Mitch, Manu or whoever..

[Chillen]

That was pretty tough and I shed a tear. Glad he still has his classic sense of humor. Pop is a wonderful human being and that was awesome that Manu and Tim were there for him. I am a Spurs and Bulls fan and I used to live in San Antonio and watched the Spurs and Pop growing up. Enjoy your new venture Pop and you are the best NBA head coach ever imo.

[benefactor]

Technically Pop should have retired 2 years ago when we got Wemby. But he was too proud and stubborn to give up coaching. A successor should have been found 2 years ago.. be it Mitch, Manu or whoever..
Some of it is what you said...but I think a lot of it is also emotion. This is all he has. It is his entire identity. He is fighting father time and losing and doesn't know how to accept it.

[R. DeMurre]

I'm glad Pop is still alive and kicking, but I have to say those official reports from the Spurs about him having a "mild" stroke on November 2nd sure do look disingenuous now. His speech and physical movement having this level of impairment 6 months later points to something that was not mild in the least.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I'm glad Pop is still alive and kicking, but I have to say those official reports from the Spurs about him having a "mild" stroke on November 2nd sure do look disingenuous now. His speech and physical movement having this level of impairment 6 months later points to something that was not mild in the least.

Not true. The fact he can even talk and is generally coherent and able to walk on his own somewhat shows it was indeed mild. If it wasn't he'd have been in a wheelchair, unable to speak and drooling from the side of the mouth like most stroke victims. For only a 6 month period he looks about as well as you could hope for. Still super sad.

[R. DeMurre]

Not true. The fact he can even talk and is generally coherent and able to walk on his own somewhat shows it was indeed mild. If it wasn't he'd have been in a wheelchair, unable to speak and drooling from the side of the mouth like most stroke victims. For only a 6 month period he looks about as well as you could hope for. Still super sad.

Gotta disagree on that. I have a family friend who is in her 80s and had a mild stroke a few months ago... to look at her and listen to her talk, you wouldn't even know that something had happened. Pop is still clearly having speech and movement issues after a team of the best world class rehab and physical therapists worked with him for 6 months. It was not a "mild" stroke.

[ambchang]

Contrary to what most feel, I was actually amazed at how well pop is holding up physically so shortly after a stroke, especially given his age. He can walk without assistance, he doesn’t stutter as much as I’d thought. This man is a fighter and I respect that. Amazing man.

I have a friend who had a stroke in her early 50s. It’s five years now and she still need a walker. She still stutters. And she worked hard throughout the last 5 years to recover.

[Brazil]

Really good points and post.

As much as I've been frustrated to hell by PATFO the last few years, I would take the last ~30 years and the way we went about things (homegrown titles, sustained excellence) over the way the Lakers conduct business.

I do wish the current FO held higher standards for on the court performance, but it's a trade off that at the end of the day I'll happily accept.

I like the "I coach boys to become men who eventually play basketball", I don't think this is the proper quote but this sums up Pop for me.

Doing so he has been incredibly successful he has developped so many talented players, coaches, staff. He is a man who will let a legacy to the world of sports and beyond. The last years have been tough but there is also some bad luck with Kawhi and at the end he is letting the franchise with a generational talent, healthy finance, tons of picks and flexibility for the future.. one cannot ask for much more than that. Now it's up to Mitch and actual FO to go to work

[exstatic]

Technically Pop should have retired 2 years ago when we got Wemby. But he was too proud and stubborn to give up coaching. A successor should have been found 2 years ago.. be it Mitch, Manu or whoever..

Wemby wanted Pop as his coach. Are you really that dense to not understand how steeped Wemby is in Spurs history?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Wemby wanted Pop as his coach. Are you really that dense to not understand how steeped Wemby is in Spurs history?

Absolutely.

Wemby: Hi RC, I'm so happy you lucked into the first pick. I've dreamt of playing for Pop
RC: Nope lol we're going to push Pop aside and get you a wonderful new coach, like JJ Redick or something
Wemby: :cry

ST (the 50 or so posters here) is the only place on the planet where Pop isn't adored. It's an echo chamber.

[Ice009]

good point about Mitch and DJM that's true the two also have that historical link going back

I kind of feel bad about this as Pop personally thanked him for coming (I thought he was there for both Pop and Mitch), but Dejounte may have mostly been there for his friend Mitch. I only say that because someone else mentioned that Dejounte may not have even known Pop was going to be there and that he was there for Mitch.


Wemby wanted Pop as his coach. Are you really that dense to not understand how steeped Wemby is in Spurs history?

I'm pretty sure you're right. I remember reading Victor wanted him to coach him and I think that is why Pop was trying to come back, to honour his word about coaching him.

[scott]

Feature length ESPN story on Pop today: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45011012/inside-gregg-popovich-unparalleled-nba-legacy-san-antonio-spurs

[Seventyniner]

An article in The Ringer too.

https://www.theringer.com/2025/05/02/nba/gregg-popovich-san-antonio-spurs-coach-career-legacy

[heyheymymy]

I kind of feel bad about this as Pop personally thanked him for coming (I thought he was there for both Pop and Mitch), but Dejounte may have mostly been there for his friend Mitch. I only say that because someone else mentioned that Dejounte may not have even known Pop was going to be there and that he was there for Mitch.

Hope they didn't bait n switch him like come to Mitch's presser, oh yeah and pop will be there too. But I still say even if DJM didn't know pop was going to be there he still could've said fuck Spurs org I'm not going to participate in any of their functions, I'll just book a nice dinner with Mitch later on or something. The fact he showed up, he didn't walk out when he saw pop, he didn't go on insta later saying fuck SAS franchise, he agreed to participate in a Spurs event and even if it was just for Mitch it still shows level headedness by just being there imho when we know insta baller can make some knuckeheaded scenes.

[BatManu20]

Henry pays tribute to Pop.

1919827856546247142

[exstatic]

Hope they didn't bait n switch him like come to Mitch's presser, oh yeah and pop will be there too. But I still say even if DJM didn't know pop was going to be there he still could've said fuck Spurs org I'm not going to participate in any of their functions, I'll just book a nice dinner with Mitch later on or something. The fact he showed up, he didn't walk out when he saw pop, he didn't go on insta later saying fuck SAS franchise, he agreed to participate in a Spurs event and even if it was just for Mitch it still shows level headedness by just being there imho when we know insta baller can make some knuckeheaded scenes.

Dejounte was wearing Spurs gear. I’d say he’s fine with Pop and the organization.

[scott]

Dejounte was wearing Spurs gear. I’d say he’s fine with Pop and the organization.

Really awesome of Dejounte to show up for Mitch and Pop (even if he did or didn't know Pop would be there). Kind of weird by modern NBA standards for a current player to show up at an event for another team (a division rival no less), but in a good way. DJM wants to come home.

[Tyronn Lue]

The true meaning of "till the wheels fall off".

[tbdog]

DJM just went on the Jackson podcast and was probably edited down to focus on some of the issues he ran with. The rumour I heard was the Spurs were not happy with DJM and his entourage of people.

[Ice009]

DJM just went on the Jackson podcast and was probably edited down to focus on some of the issues he ran with. The rumour I heard was the Spurs were not happy with DJM and his entourage of people.

When he was on the team? What podcast is it exactly?

[tbdog]

When he was on the team? What podcast is it exactly?


It was after he was traded. It was well mentioned a few years ago. I couldn't tell you exactly what podcast or where to find it.

[Ice009]

It was after he was traded. It was well mentioned a few years ago. I couldn't tell you exactly what podcast or where to find it.

Alright, got it. If it was from a few years ago, it was All The Smoke podcast (I didn't watch it). I thought you meant he went on another one recently.

[spurraider21]

people clipped the parts of the podcast when he said anything resembling negativity about the spurs but if you actually watched through that full interview it was constantly Jax trying to goad Murray into saying bad things about pop/spurs and overall i didnt think DJM came off particularly bad or angry or unhappy.

[scott]

As seen on the video, there were a lot of current Spurs at the Press Conference as well who walked out with Pop, which is awesome to see. There is no disputing that even in these tough years, the Spurs have managed to maintain a culture that the players are really proud to be a part of.

I was thinking there was likely some kind of behind closed doors meeting with the players and Pop before walking out, I wonder if DJM was part of that as well and someone like Blake was looking around like "did we made a trade?!?" :lol

[LeBowen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9wGDet27rE

There it is, they'll eventually find a way to digitalize Pop and he'll be in charge until the end of time.

[scott]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9wGDet27rE

There it is, they'll eventually find a way to digitalize Pop and he'll be in charge until the end of time.

Fucking brilliant. Spurs can use OpenAI to DeepFake us some wins!

https://i.imgur.com/X2X0r0D.jpeg

[scott]

Obviously Anthony Wembantetokounmpo is Finals MVP in the above image

And if Pop frustrated you before... wait until there are two of him!

[exstatic]

As seen on the video, there were a lot of current Spurs at the Press Conference as well who walked out with Pop, which is awesome to see. There is no disputing that even in these tough years, the Spurs have managed to maintain a culture that the players are really proud to be a part of.

I was thinking there was likely some kind of behind closed doors meeting with the players and Pop before walking out, I wonder if DJM was part of that as well and someone like Blake was looking around like "did we made a trade?!?" :lol

The power of friendship.

[Splits]

https://i.ibb.co/BKK7LM9P/image.png

Really love how every satisfaction score is over 85% and the lowest from their fatGPT is food

[scott]

The power of friendship.

Strangely... those were the guys I *didn't* see on the video... doesn't mean they weren't there of course. I know Sochan is in the Philippines... probably combing through YouTube with cutewizard

[ambchang]

It is fantastic to use AI platforms to simulate player fit, especially role players. With the available stats the spurs can hone in on certain players who would fit seamlessly into an offence or defence based on their strengths and weaknesses.


The first thing though is to use OpenAI to actually create a defensive system.

[mudyez]

I hope they rename the airport after him.

Greggport?
Airpopp?

[Extra Stout]

https://i.ibb.co/BKK7LM9P/image.png

Really love how every satisfaction score is over 85% and the lowest from their fatGPT is food
“What are we offering for breakfast?”

“Turnovers.”

“Any other options?”

“Turnovers.”