San Antonio Spurs consult Gregg Popovich ahead of NBA Finals return
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have turned to legendary former coach Gregg Popovich for guidance as they prepare for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.
The Texas franchise recently secured their spot in the championship series following an emotional Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Upon landing back in San Antonio, Wembanyama made it an immediate priority to seek out his former mentor.
“I saw Pop right away when we landed,” Wembanyama said.
“The emotion was something I haven’t felt in a while. Coming back down from this is a challenge. We still need to really come back down to Earth and realize we haven’t done the hardest task yet.”
A lasting legacy at the Spurs
Popovich’s remarkable coaching career effectively ended last November after he suffered a stroke.
However, the 77-year-old remains a daily fixture at the Victory Capital Performance Center following his rehabilitation sessions.
These recovery workouts are notably led by five-time champion and Hall of Fame forward Tim Duncan.
Spurs Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson emphasised the immense respect the squad still holds for the veteran tactician.
“When Popovich enters a room, you shut the f— up,” Johnson said.
Championship pedigree providing an edge
Current head coach Mitch Johnson, who took interim charge following Popovich’s health scare, continues to appreciate the ongoing tutelage.
The current boss originally guided the team through 77 games during a challenging transition period last season.
Veteran guard De’Aaron Fox highlighted that the roster benefits from an entire building filled with basketball royalty.
Legends such as Manu Ginobili, David Robinson and Sean Elliott are frequently present during shootarounds and practice sessions.
“It’s a lot of people walking through this building that have been there and done that,” Fox explained.
“You can ask them anything. Obviously, Pop is going to come in. He’s going to speak his mind.”
This wealth of institutional knowledge could prove vital as the current generation attempts to capture the ultimate prize.