Spurs Notes: Popovich, Johnson, Offseason Outlook, Fox, Paul

A few days after the Spurs announced Gregg Popovich would permanently vacate the head coaching job and move to the front office, he made a surprise appearance at a press conference for his replacement, Mitch Johnson, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express News reports.

Popovich, who suffered a mild stroke in November, explained why the move was necessary.

“Things are getting better by the day but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead, and so it’s time to make this change,” he said.

The press conference at the practice facility was his first public appearance since the health crisis. Popovich, who has been named president of basketball operations, was pleased that Johnson had the interim tag removed.

“We saw him in action and he was brilliant. … I couldn’t be more thrilled for him,” he said.

Here’s more on the Spurs:

• Johnson said the franchise has brighter days ahead. Spurs first-rounders Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have won the last two Rookie of the Year awards. “We have a hold on the direction and want to build upon something,” Johnson said, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “This is not a reboot or restart. It’s a new chapter because it looks different, but the theme of the book isn’t changing.”
• Johnson credited Popovich for teaching him the coaching ropes, including attention to detail, competitiveness and player development. “You understand the moment and how important every single moment is. And no moment is like any other,” Johnson said. “The discipline you have to be grounded and present, giving yourself to every moment is what I will never forget. And at this moment, I would like to say thank you.”
• They possess two first-rounders in this year’s draft with a chance to move up with both picks in the lottery, ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes. San Antonio has 10 players under contract for next season and even though it pulled off the De’Aaron Fox blockbuster this season, it is well-positioned to make another big move this summer. Fox is eligible for a four-year, $229MM max extension this summer.
• They could be in the market for a free agent shooter and need to sort out their point guard situation, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith notes in his offseason preview. Chris Paul is headed back to free agency and his future with the franchise is uncertain but Sandro Mamukelashvili is the most likely to return among the team’s free agents.