Popovich Still Mentoring Spurs, Wembanyama During Playoff Run

Despite suffering a stroke, the legendary coach remains involved with his former team as they make a postseason push.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:26am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or playoff action, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the strategic and analytical nature of Popovich's coaching influence.Popovich's strategic mind continues to guide the Spurs' playoff push, even in retirement.San Antonio Today

Despite stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 2024 due to health issues, Gregg Popovich has continued to mentor the team and its young star Victor Wembanyama as they make a deep playoff run. Popovich remains in regular contact with the Spurs players, offering advice and encouragement as they pursue an NBA championship under new head coach Mitch Johnson.

Why it matters

Popovich's continued involvement with the Spurs, even after his retirement, speaks to his deep commitment to the franchise and its players. His guidance has been invaluable as the team has blossomed around Wembanyama, the potential generational talent they drafted. Popovich's influence could be the difference in helping the Spurs capture their sixth NBA title.

The details

After suffering a stroke in late 2024, Popovich stepped down as Spurs head coach, handing the reins to assistant Mitch Johnson. But the legendary coach has remained actively involved, texting and calling players like Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle regularly to offer advice and encouragement. Popovich's mentorship has been crucial in helping the young Spurs squad, led by Wembanyama, develop into a title contender.

  • In November 2024, Popovich stepped down as Spurs head coach due to health issues.
  • The Spurs entered the 2026 NBA Playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference with 62 wins.

The players

Gregg Popovich

The longtime head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who stepped down in 2024 due to a stroke but has remained actively involved with the team in a mentorship role.

Victor Wembanyama

The young superstar drafted by the Spurs, who has blossomed into a dominant force under Popovich's guidance.

Mitch Johnson

The current head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has continued Popovich's winning formula by building the team around Wembanyama.

Keldon Johnson

A key player for the Spurs who has remained in close contact with Popovich, crediting the former coach's advice and encouragement.

Stephon Castle

A second-year guard for the Spurs who has also benefited from Popovich's mentorship as the team makes its playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“He looks amazing. He's doing great. It's always good to see him. He stays in touch. He texts me or calls me from time to time, probably every other day. But at the same time, he's very encouraging, telling me that he's proud of me and things like that. I mean, he's definitely still himself. He's still sharp. He's still very much Pop. He has not skipped a beat at all.”

— Keldon Johnson, Spurs Player

“He's helped me and a lot of the other guys on the team, just having somebody to talk to. Whether games are going good, games are going bad, just knowing Pop, he'll always tell you the real. Just keep in my head. Not really going off result-based things. Really just trying to use the process and understanding what got us in those positions.”

— Stephon Castle, Spurs Guard

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their playoff run and potentially capture Popovich's sixth NBA championship as a head coach, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever do it.

The takeaway

Gregg Popovich's unwavering commitment to the Spurs organization, even in retirement, has been a key factor in the team's resurgence around young star Victor Wembanyama. His mentorship and guidance have been invaluable as the Spurs chase another title, proving that Popovich's impact extends far beyond his time as the team's head coach.