Health issues sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season, leading to Mitch Johnson getting the job<\/a>. The Spurs still have Popovich as their front office executive, but Johnson is now their permanent coach. However, Popovich still has an impact on the rest of the team.<\/p>\n Wembanyama has spoken about his former head coach and their close relationship. That should bode well for the long-term future because he has the same mentor as Tim Duncan<\/a> and David Robinson<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Wembanyama only played one season under Popovich, the coach had a profound impact on him. The Spurs\u2019 young players know Popovich played a big role in their careers, a lesson they will carry with them.<\/p>\n Gregg Popovich reacts to Steve Kerr saying he’s \u2018rejuvenated\u2019 with Victor Wembanyama \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n “What was I being rejuvenated from? Was I in a mental institution or was I depressed and curled up in my bedroom or something? Steve’s an a**hole.”<\/p>\n (via @hoopshype<\/a>)pic.twitter.com\/yuXvCYvown<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 21, 2023<\/a> <\/p>\n View Tweet<\/p>\n Wembanyama shared his appreciation for Popovich in \u201cThe Shop\u201d panel at Fanatics Fest. This panel included LeBron James<\/a> and NFL legend Tom Brady. They first focused on the Frenchman\u2019s visit to China, but he made sure to praise his former coach. <\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, the person. We were all really close. We all have really good relationships between the teammates and him. It\u2019s always sad and shocking when something like this happens,\u201d Wembanyama said in the panel<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s incredible with him is that he keeps giving hope, being the person that he is. <\/p>\n \u201cHe keeps inspiring us. Because the way he works, he works harder than most athletes in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Popovich has a legendary legacy as a coach<\/p>\n He is still involved in the NBA due to his front office role, but Popovich is already a legendary coach. The five-time champion earned that with his success and by maintaining it for over two decades. On top of that, he also has the gold medal after leading Team USA in the 2020 Olympics.<\/p>\n On the outside, Popovich may seem grumpy, but his players would say otherwise<\/a>. He was passionate and intelligent during his coaching days. Some people failed to appreciate that, but he is getting the plaudits now. <\/p>\n His legacy is still alive with his near-endless coaching tree and players like Wembanyama. Popovich has earned legendary status, and he has a good case for being the NBA\u2019s greatest-ever coach.<\/p>\n He will still be quite impactful for the Spurs even at 76. Johnson will continue to implement the key values<\/a> as the Spurs look to return to the postseason. They have a transcendent superstar in Wembanyama and a good supporting cast around him.<\/p>\n With the influence he has on the team, they are in a good spot. Wembanyama will keep showcasing the Popovich influence<\/a>, as the Spurs look to compete for championships. It might not happen in the 2025-26 season, but the potential is there to become a top team.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n ![\"Victor](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-2218151693-941x627.jpg\")
Photo by Fred Lee\/Getty ImagesWembanyama shows appreciation for his former head coach<\/p>\n