SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in nearly 30 years, the San Antonio Spurs entered Media Day without Gregg Popovich at the helm. Mitch Johnson, who guided the team for the final 77 games of last season after Popovich retired due to a stroke, now begins his first full season as San Antonio’s official head coach.
This is my first camp as the head coach,” Johnson said. “We want to set clear objectives of what we’re trying to achieve and the outcomes we’re looking for. It’s my job to set the vision and expectations for the players, and their job to bring that to life.Victor Wembanyama’s Transformative Summer
Victor Wembanyama, returning after his 2024-25 season was cut short by deep vein thrombosis in a shoulder, spent the offseason exploring the world as much as the court. From NASA visits to training with monks in China, Wembanyama embraced growth on and off the court.
My favorite was probably, you know, going to NASA and checking out all the stuff I’m passionate about from the inside,” he said.
Training with monks pushed him outside his comfort zone. “It’s incredible It’s movements that I or NBA players, you know, in general, we’re not used to do it really paid off in terms of training and as a life experience.”
Wembanyama said last year’s health scare motivated him to seize the offseason.
The traumatic experience you talked about is very much linked to all the stuff I’ve done this summer I want to experience those things. Just to be clear, I’m understanding, did the health scare sort of prompt you to want to do more of that stuff? Yeah, for sure.
He underscored the intensity of his training: “I can assure you, nobody has trained like I did this summer. This is my best summer so far I feel better, I look stronger, and, you know, the scale says I’m heavier, so it’s everything is a green light.” Strength gains are already translating on the court. “I’m so much more under control, and my conditioning has gotten so much better.”
On defense, Wembanyama is setting the bar high. “My goal is to set standards from the first game of the season, in doing preseason, this is a non-negotiable defense is non-negotiable.”
He is also eager to play in front of fans. “Just being in the arena with fans is going to — I anticipate it. And I mean, so excited, I miss it so much.”
Regarding new additions Kelly Olynyk and Luke Cornett, Wembanyama said, “They will have an important role for us both of them are gonna help us really much whether he’s on the court or not, we will need to have some of the best rim protection in the league, for sure.” He reflected on how his travels fostered personal growth: “It definitely expands my vision of the world and makes you understand people better it’s interesting experiences that make you grow as a person in general.”
Dylan Harper, Darren Fox, Jeremy Sochan: Progress on Injuries
Johnson provided updates on the team’s roster and injury situation, starting with rookie Dylan Harper, who underwent surgery this offseason to repair a partially torn collateral ligament in his left thumb.
“Dylan is doing well. He’s on the court. That’ll be just a pretty straightforward ramp up in terms of, you know, getting that thing to the point where it can have contact and be ready to be in a game and not get hit,” Johnson said.
Asked if Harper would see preseason action, Johnson declined to commit. “We’ll see. Yeah, I think again, we’re not going to try to put any particular timetable on certain things, just everything is heading in the right direction and trending. And so we just wanted to continue that way. And when it’s all the way goodthen we’ll clear ’em, as we always do.”
The coach also touched on Darren Fox, recovering from a hamstring injury, and Jeremy Sochan, who suffered a calf injury while training with the Polish national team. Both “are improving and getting better all those guys are just getting better and better every day,” Johnson said.
Dylan Harper: Rookie Perspective
Rookie Dylan Harper opened up about bouncing back from offseason thumb surgery and settling into life in San Antonio.
I definitely believe so,” Harper said when asked if he might play in the preseason. “Just listening to the staff, the medical staff, the coaches I feel good. Rehab’s going very well, and I’ve just been taking it day by day.
About the injury itself, he admitted, “I felt my thumb it really crushed you, because in my head, I’d rather sit out now than have to sit out during the season. I just wanted to get back and be ready before the games start.”
Harper is easing back on the court. “I’ve got this little plastic splint been doing some shooting, working on conditioning, not a lot of contact yet something I had to get used to.”
When asked about playing alongside Stephon Castle and Darren Fox, he said, “All three of us can get downhill pretty well when you’re guarding three people who can do that, plus a shooter, plus obviously Vic it’s very hard to stop.”
Off the court, Harper has embraced the Spurs culture. “The process’s been great they welcomed me with open arms. The transition’s probably been the smoothest it could’ve been.” On connecting with the team’s legacy, he added, “Talking to a legend like Popovich is surreal it shows you how much of a family this organization really is.”
On balancing patience with ambition, Harper said, “The biggest thing is control keeping the same mindset when things are going well or when they’re not.”
And on his role this season: “Not limiting myself to one thing just trying to be all-around. Whatever coach tells me to do, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Stephon Castle: Versatility and Leadership
Stephon Castle described a productive offseason focused on conditioning, refining on-ball reads, and sharpening his overall game. “I can play both the one and two positions and am ready to adapt alongside new additions like Darren Fox and Dylan Windler We have length, IQ, athleticism. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing with Vic, Jeremy, and the younger guys.”
Castle praised the Spurs’ defensive potential, noting the team’s length, IQ, and athleticism. He also emphasized learning from veteran guards Chris Paul and Fox, while trusting big men like Olynyk and Cornett to create space and opportunities: “It makes my job easier as a facilitator.”
On culture, Castle lauded the professionalism of rookies Dylan and Carter, while giving credit to Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell for leadership and accountability. He anticipates a competitive, winning-focused season.
Jeremy Sochan: Growth in Europe and at Home
Jeremy Sochan described a busy summer filled with minor injuries while preparing for EuroBasket, calling it a “long process” with highs and lows. He confirmed he will participate in training camp and feels strong physically.
Reflecting on a European trip with teammates Devin and Steph, Sochan said, “It allowed me to enjoy Europe, bond with teammates, and gain perspective off the court.” He praised the Spurs culture for exposing players to different backgrounds and experiences.
Sochan also noted Wembanyama’s dedication.
He’s motivated and excited for the season having Vic healthy is huge for our team stability.” On his own development, he highlighted improvements in “strength, conditioning, shooting, ball handling, and defensive focus,” calling Spurs defense “pretty scary” and a team priority.
Off the court, Sochan enjoys expressing himself through footwear and personal growth. On court, he has engaged in light open-gym battles with Wembanyama, while still easing back from his own recovery.
Keldon Johnson: Veteran Leadership
Keldon Johnson, entering his seventh season, reflected on the transition from Popovich to Mitch Johnson.
It feels surreal to be one of the older players Victor’s on a mission. We’ve got a strong, competitive year ahead.
Johnson emphasized flexibility in his role: “I’m prepared physically and mentally whatever it takes to help the team win.” As a veteran, he sees himself as an “older brother” to younger players, offering “energy, toughness, and guidance” while continuing to develop his own game.
He praised the Spurs’ depth and team chemistry, particularly his partnership with Devin Vassell, and highlighted the importance of learning to close out games—a lesson instilled by former teammate Chris Paul. Johnson is confident the team is in a more stable, competitive position for the season.