The San Antonio Spurs will enter a new chapter in their storied history next season as Mitch Johnson has officially taken over Gregg Popovich as coach.
Popovich recently stepped down after 29 seasons, following the mild stroke he suffered last year, which has limited his mobility. The 76-year-old icon will now focus on his role as the Spurs’ president of basketball operations.
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The 38-year-old Johnson called the shots for San Antonio in Popovich’s absence, helping the team to a 34-48 record. He first joined the Spurs in 2019 as an assistant coach. Now, he will take the helm of one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
Some camps, however, believe that Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon should’ve gotten the job. She served as an assistant coach of the Spurs from 2014 to 2021, helping pave the way for other women in the NBA. Currently, there are five female assistant coaches in the league.
In an interview with OutKick, NBA legend Charles Barkley offered his opinion about the 48-year-old Hammon possibly calling the shots in the league.
NBA legend Charles Barkley at the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“I have no problem with a female head coach,” said Barkley. I have no problem with it whatsoever.
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“Hey, listen, that’s a really good job because you look at (Stephon) Castle, who just won Rookie of the Year, you got (Victor) Wembanyama, you got De’Aaron Fox, you got two lottery picks, if I’m correct.”
San Antonio has a 6% chance to land the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
In 2015, Hammon made NBA history by becoming the first female head coach in the Summer League. She has led the Aces to two championships.
When she was hired by the Spurs, Popovich offered a glowing review of the WNBA legend, touting her “basketball IQ, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.”
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Related: The Gregg Popovich Call That Adam Silver Can’t Forget: ‘He Yelled at Me!’