Spurs' Johnson Named All-Star Coach

Mitch Johnson will join Detroit Pistons' J.B. Bickerstaff as a 2026 All-Star Game coach, leading one of three teams in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Despite a pair of travel-induced delays to their home contest against the Orlando Magic, the San Antonio Spurs held up their end of the bargain. Entering Sunday evening, San Antonio needed a win and a Denver Nuggets loss to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. At the conclusion of Denver's home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the standings were settled. Mitch Johnson will join Detroit Pistons' J.B. Bickerstaff as a 2026 All-Star Game coach, leading one of three teams in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend.

Why it matters

Johnson's selection as an All-Star coach marks a significant milestone in his first full season as the Spurs' head coach, following the retirement of legendary coach Gregg Popovich. The honor recognizes Johnson's coaching acumen and the Spurs' strong performance this season, securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

The details

Johnson doesn't much care for the fanfare, but he can't escape it as he succeeds Popovich after 29 seasons. 'I can't be him,' Johnson said during his official head coach introduction last May. 'Or 'El Jefe.' But to be able to commit and invest in people and relationships ... he did it better than anybody. I will attempt to do it my way, whatever that looks like, going forward.' Once the stakes were clear, Johnson's roster rallied around their coach.

  • On Sunday evening, San Antonio needed a win and a Denver Nuggets loss to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
  • At the conclusion of Denver's home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the standings were settled.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, succeeding the legendary Gregg Popovich after 29 seasons.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who will join Johnson as a 2026 All-Star Game coach.

Devin Vassell

A player for the San Antonio Spurs who expressed excitement about Johnson's All-Star coaching selection.

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What they’re saying

“That'd be a huge honor in his first full year. We obviously have a mindset to win, but this puts a little bit extra into it.”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs player (San Antonio Express-News)

“It's special for a lot of different reasons. Understanding why you're in the position you're in and how important the people around you are in helping you succeed ... If the guys don't do what they do, they don't buy in ... we're not in this position.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons head coach (N/A)

“It's obviously rare air, being among some of the best doing it (when the All-Star Break comes around). And to be able to be a part of it, in whatever capacity you are, is a really cool experience.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach (N/A)

What’s next

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is set to run from February 13-15 at the LA Clippers' Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is set for 4 p.m. Central on February 15.

The takeaway

Mitch Johnson's selection as an All-Star coach in his first full season as the Spurs' head coach is a testament to his coaching abilities and the team's strong performance this season. It marks a significant milestone as Johnson seeks to establish his own legacy while following in the footsteps of the legendary Gregg Popovich.