Gregg Popovich officially adopts his new role with the San Antonio Spurs.
Popovich, the most winning coach in the history of the NBA, resigned as the team's head coach last week After a series of health problems throughout the season. The spurs I quickly promoted Mitch JohnsonWho was an acting coach in the absence of a popovich, to take over in the head coach, while Popovich will go to a full-time president of the team.
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Monday, Popovich officially passed the stick to Johnson in a Introductory press conference. Popovich congratulated Johnson, noting that the coach took over this season and “did a fantastic job in circumstances that were very difficult”.
“We saw him in action, and he was brilliant. The players respect him, he will hold them responsible and I could not be more delighted for him and his family and his friends,” said Popovich.
Popovich, 76 years old, suffered a soft blow In November and moved away from the team for most of the season. Johnson, deputy coach at the time, took over; The Spurs finished 34-48 and missed the playoffs.
“I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people who have my organization and send me thoughts and prayers,” said Popovich on Monday. “Since I had this stroke, things have been improving day by day, but it is not good enough for what we plan in advance, and it is therefore time to make this change.”
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Part of this change, it seems, is a new nickname to correspond to the new job of Popovich. Towards the end of his remarks, Popovich slipped off his jacket to reveal a t -shirt with the words “El Jefe” – Spanish for “The Boss”.
“I am no longer a coach, I am El Jefe,” said Popovich, receiving applause from the room.
He then turned to reveal the back of the shirt, which said: “Señor Popovich, president of Basketball Ops.”
During the speech, Popovich noted all the players of the Spurs who came to support Johnson during the press conference-including the New Orleans Pélicans goalkeeper, Dejounte Murray, who traveled to see Johnson being officially promoted to the head coach of San Antonio. Murray and Johnson, both native of Seattle, have known each other since Murray was a child, said Popovich.
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This kind of dedication and support of players is the reason why Popovich seemed confident about Johnson's ability to lead this team to victory. But Popovich was also very frank on how his own health problems had affected his ability to lead the team himself.
“One of the reasons for which I am doing this now is that we must have someone in charge who is fully able to give their best, because this is what this group deserves and demands,” said Popovich.
Popovich thanked his family and friends, as well as the whole organization of the Spurs. “We all have a role there. They are not only players and coaches – everyone was dedicated to doing their part, making a prosperous and prosperous organization,” said Popovich.
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After doing some jokes on his rehabilitation process, Popovich also thanked fans for their dedication to the team.
“Thank you for the years for your support and we will not let you fall. We will not win every match, but we will try to do it, and we will do it with class, whether it is a victory or a loss,” he said.
