The commute from Keldon Johnson’s ranch in Boerne, Texas, to the Frost Bank Center used to be predictable. Thirty minutes on weekends, forty-five during the week. But now, due to extensive construction on almost every major highway, he has to leave earlier.
San Antonio and the San Antonio Spurs feel like they are expanding, filled with new vitality and residents occupying the once open spaces of Texas.
Even before the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, as the top pick in 2023, coach Gregg Popovich found inspiration in this energy. ‘What’s most enjoyable is they are like young, clean slates. You start at the bottom and teach,’ he mentioned in 2022, after years of guiding experienced teams.
Johnson, surprisingly the Spurs’ longest-serving player at 25, has learned to take cues from Popovich. This is why they both arrived exceptionally early at the arena on the afternoon of November 2, 2024.
Johnson was there for extra practice and treatment before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Popovich, at 75, was there for his pregame routine, vital for navigating the NBA season’s demands.
However, shortly after finishing his workout near the team’s locker room within the arena’s hallways, Popovich halted abruptly. Team staff nearby noticed something was wrong and assisted him, according to sources.
They immediately had Popovich sit down.
Nearby, Johnson heard the commotion as the coach began receiving medical attention.
‘I couldn’t see him,’ Johnson told reporters. ‘But the way everyone was talking about it was frightening.’
Johnson tried to get closer, but team staff were already attending to Popovich, eventually leading him to an ambulance to a nearby hospital. Only a few players, staff, and arena workers understood the situation.
‘Nobody really wanted to say anything,’ Johnson said. ‘Nobody wanted to let us in and tell us what was really going on. The uncertainty was very difficult.’
Around 5:15 p.m., reporters gathered for Popovich’s pregame press conference. While he’s usually punctual, it wasn’t unusual for him to be late or miss these. Once last season, traffic delayed him from the team’s practice facility.
Other times, he missed games for minor procedures or personal reasons. An assistant coach who scouted the opponent usually filled in.
So, it wasn’t alarming when Spurs spokesman Tom James announced around 5:30 that Popovich was ‘unwell’ and assistant coach Mitch Johnson would lead the team that night.
However, behind the scenes, word spread that Popovich’s situation—the foundation of the successful Spurs franchise—was serious and possibly life-threatening.
It took time for doctors to assess the extent of damage from what was diagnosed as a mild stroke. Players couldn’t speak to him for weeks. It was months before he was strong enough to walk and address the team directly.
‘It’s been pretty tough for me,’ Johnson admitted. ‘He’s been our role model since I arrived. He’s been that leader.’
Much has occurred in the five months since. The Spurs made a significant trade for All-NBA guard De’Aaron Fox. Stephon Castle has emerged as a Rookie of the Year contender. Wembanyama lived up to his hype before a season-ending blood clot in his arm.
Yet, Popovich hasn’t coached since that night and won’t return this season. Veteran Harrison Barnes mentioned Popovich is recovering ‘ahead of schedule.’ Another source noted his five-month rehab progress is typical of nine-month recoveries. Still, his return next season is uncertain.
This is a new reality. The deep connection between Popovich and the Spurs fueled the franchise’s success. They evolved together, then started anew. Until Popovich’s health event in November, everyone faced a turning point. The succession plan became urgent, and decisions once his were now in question.
For the first time in thirty years, the man central to San Antonio and the Spurs is on a different path—fighting to regain his former role.
Popovich’s influence is evident throughout San Antonio. From Bird Bakery in Alamo Heights, where he ordered birthday cookies, to Battalion, an Italian restaurant in Firehouse 7 where he’s an investor, and Bar Loretta, a favorite French bistro in Southtown. Staff at these places have stories about Popovich’s visits.
Johnson also has stories. Popovich invited Johnson and rookie classmates to a dinner at Bliss in Southtown. ‘He was like, ‘Y’all try these oysters,” Johnson recalled. ‘And Quinndary [Weatherspoon] was like, ‘I’ve never had oysters.”
‘You want to play?’ Popovich said. ‘You better try the oysters.’
Johnson, fortunately, had tried oysters, passing Popovich’s initial test. Over five years, more tests followed.
In 2021, he invited Johnson to the national team camp, stating, ‘I need you ready because I’m vouching for you.’ Johnson thought it was for a junior team camp, which was still intimidating.
Popovich saw more potential, and after a strong camp, selected Johnson for the Olympic team.
‘He’s truly shaped me as a young man,’ Johnson said. ‘People think Pop is stern, but he’s one of the best people I know. He treats everyone well and puts others first.’
His legacy is secure, even if he had retired after the 2014 championship, San Antonio’s last. The five championship trophies from the Spurs’ 22-year playoff streak under Popovich and executive R.C. Buford are in The Rock, the largest mass timber sports facility in North America.
Located at 1 Spurs Way, the $500 million, 45-acre venue opened in 2023. Besides Spurs facilities, it includes parks, restaurants, trails, a large LED screen for games and events, and plans for a community medical center. It reflects Popovich’s values.
Inside the building, Popovich’s coaching philosophy, The Stonecutter’s Credo, is prominently displayed:
When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
This quote from Jacob Riis permeates Popovich and the Spurs, though Popovich downplays his role. But it’s the Spurs Way.
‘I was tasked with creating an environment for success,’ he said at his 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony, delayed until his coached Hall of Famers were inducted.
Popovich’s impact on basketball and the Spurs is immeasurable.
‘Pop is as good a coach as anyone in any sport,’ former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewzski recently stated.
Their friendship deepened later in their careers.
‘We became close when he became the national coach while I still was,’ Krzyzewski said. ‘I regret not being this close earlier.’
He admired Popovich’s leadership and community engagement. They bonded over military backgrounds—Krzyzewski from the Army, Popovich from the Air Force.
Krzyzewski planned his retirement and successor in 2022 at 75, ready to leave coaching’s demands and transition into family life and a role with Duke.
Popovich wasn’t ready. His coaching passion remains, especially for the young team with Wembanyama. The Spurs supported his choice.
‘It’s Pop’s decision,’ a source close to the situation said. ‘He’s earned that.’
The Spurs’ succession plan has been in place for years. Each summer, Popovich considered his desire to continue. Buford and others trusted Popovich’s judgment to decide what was best.
Over time, assistants like Mike Brown, Mike Budenholzer, and Brett Brown were considered successors but became head coaches elsewhere. Then came Ime Udoka, Becky Hammon, Will Hardy, James Borrego, Monty Williams, and Taylor Jenkins. Popovich outlasted them all.
Last year, there was speculation that Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who played for Popovich, might succeed him if Kerr didn’t extend his Warriors contract. But Kerr re-signed, expected to coach as long as Stephen Curry plays well.
Mitch Johnson became interim head coach in November. Compared to potential successors, Johnson’s experience was less. He played at Stanford, rose through the Spurs system, and had a strong coaching reputation after a Toronto head coaching interview.
‘Seeing him in his current role isn’t surprising. He belongs there,’ Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, a former Stanford teammate, mentioned.
‘An incredibly intelligent basketball mind, the highest IQ I’ve seen,’ Lopez added. ‘He sees the game uniquely. We called him ‘maestro’ for how he manages the game.’
James, the Spurs’ communications head for 30 years, knew Los Angeles media might not know Johnson before a game against the LA Clippers on November 4.
‘For those unfamiliar with San Antonio, Mitch Johnson is our coach tonight,’ James announced before Johnson spoke.
The atmosphere was somber. Popovich’s situation was still unclear.
Earlier that day, officials informed the team Popovich had a stroke, sources said. He was hospitalized, and the stroke’s severity was unknown.
It was a difficult update. After two days of uncertainty, they learned of its seriousness. All they knew was their leader was taken from the arena in an ambulance.
Before tipoff at Intuit Dome, veteran point guard Chris Paul spoke for the players near the locker room.
‘We know he’s watching,’ Paul said. ‘He’ll give feedback. The team, staff, everyone misses Pop. His presence calms everyone.’
Mitch Johnson gave a heartfelt statement about Popovich before warming up with Wembanyama and the team. ‘Pop’s impact is hard to describe, it wouldn’t do it justice,’ he said. ‘He’s been incredible for me, and his health is the priority. I spoke to him last night. He’s in good spirits and we want him back.’
The Spurs started strongly against the Clippers, leading by 26 points in the first quarter. But the emotional strain took hold.
They lost, 113-104.
San Antonio changes rapidly, but the Spurs’ pace is slower. Decisions are made privately and announced quietly.
In the past nine years, leadership shifted from Peter Holt, who retired in 2016, to his ex-wife, Julianna Hawn Holt, and their children, Peter John Holt and Corrina Holt Richter, on the board. Minority owners and strategic partners like Michael Dell, Joe Gebbia, and the McCombs family have joined.
These are major changes for a franchise. In larger markets, they’d be global news. For the Spurs, local stories sufficed, and operations continued as usual.
This is due to Popovich and Buford, who met 39 years ago on Larry Brown’s staff and have been close since. Buford is CEO, Popovich is president and coach, and Brian Wright is GM since 2019.
The organization acts with certainty, not speculation.
The Spurs gave four updates on Popovich since November 2. First, he wouldn’t travel to Los Angeles. Then, on November 13, he had a mild stroke but was expected to recover.
On December 16, Popovich thanked everyone for their support, joking ‘no one is happier for my return than my rehab team. They’ve learned I’m not coachable.’
Finally, on February 27, he announced he wouldn’t return this season but hoped to coach again.
Between updates, his recovery progressed. After hospital release, he started walking again months later, sources said.
He communicated with staff, management, and players during rehab, players and officials confirmed. Keldon Johnson noted Popovich’s texts and calls showed he followed the team closely.
‘He says he’s proud, that he loves me,’ Johnson shared. ‘In a long season, those words push me through.’
By late January, Popovich could address the team in person. But the Rodeo road trip from February 3 made scheduling difficult. Initially, plans were for Popovich to speak post-All-Star break, but Victor Wembanyama’s shoulder pain in Wyoming changed that.
Two days later, Wembanyama was ruled out for the season with a blood clot in his arm.
On February 27, between games, Popovich addressed the team at The Rock. Popovich’s absence, Wembanyama’s news, and a long road trip had taken a toll. The Spurs had lost four straight and dropped out of playoff contention.
Popovich told them he wouldn’t return this season, but he’d been watching and would hold them accountable.
‘Everyone shut up when he entered,’ Johnson said. ‘That’s Pop. He’s still recovering, but still cussing. ‘Y’all need defense, rebounds.’ Knowing he called out specifics was huge.
‘It was needed. He brought that life back. The Pop we know and love. He was back, like no time had passed.’
He spoke slower, more deliberately. In a sweatsuit, Popovich discussed the future, hoping to be on the bench. But he cautioned, restating his standard.
If I can’t be 100% myself, I’m doing everyone a disservice.
Silence and nods followed.
‘It’s bigger than basketball,’ Fox said. ‘It’s about his life.’
The message resonated.
‘It’s inspiring,’ Fox said. ‘His fight to return is a testament to him. He really wants to be back.’
Fox, injured, had only spoken to Popovich by phone since joining in February. This was their first meeting in San Antonio.
‘It went from serious to lighthearted,’ Fox said. ‘He keeps people engaged, which is why he’s succeeded. We want him healthy, but I’d love to be coached by Pop.’
Despite San Antonio’s changes since 1988, some things remain constant.
Spurs personnel may leave but often return to San Antonio. It’s a ‘forever home.’ Once in the Spurs family, there’s always a place.
Monty Williams returned after his wife’s tragic death in 2016, and again after coaching changes in Phoenix and Detroit. He coaches his sons and Tim Duncan’s son at TMI Episcopal High School.
Duncan stayed after retiring in 2016. Ginobili joined the Spurs, bringing his sons to games. Parker returns often, considering his basketball future.
Mike Brown, Danny Ferry, and Chris Grant have also returned.
This is the Spurs Way, Popovich’s enduring culture. The question is its evolution without him.
It’s been a decade-long question, seemingly unreal despite recent events. For most, an alternative is unimaginable.
But change has occurred. Popovich delegated more coaching duties over time, empowering assistants. He even moved from his Dominion home to a Southtown penthouse, selling his beloved house in 2020.
His children are grown. His wife, Erin, passed in 2018. Everything changed, and he adapted.
In his Hall of Fame speech, the private man acknowledged his journey and future hopes.
He thanked his children, Mickey and Jill, for support, and praised his grandchildren, Bridget and Finn.
‘My wife Erin was our rock,’ he said. ‘My daughter Jill continues her legacy.’
This year’s fight is to reclaim his life for family, team, and city—and to decide his departure on his own terms.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon contributed to this report.
