At the news conference when the San Antonio Spurs officially presented Mitch Johnson as his replacement, Gregg Popovich made his first public appearance since having a stroke six months earlier, stating that the moment was appropriate.
The 76-year-old Popovich, surrounded by Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, stated that he has complete faith in Johnson and that his health is getting better. He spoke much more quietly than he has in the past.
Popovich stated: “Things are getting better by the day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead,” “So, it’s time to make this change.” “That’s the goal, to make sure we keep it going,”
Popovich will continue to serve as the Spurs’ team president, and the team’s management, which includes general manager Brian Wright and CEO R.C. Buford, will not be changing. According to Popovich, neither will the team’s principles.
Before escorting Johnson to the podium, Popovich took off his jacket, exposing a T-shirt bearing his new title: “El jefe,” which translates to “the boss” in Spanish.
