Gregg Popovich speaks to Spurs ahead of first-round matchup with Trail Blazers
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Recovering from a 2024 stroke, Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich visited the San Antonio Spurs earlier this week to offer guidance before their opening playoff game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Popovich, 77, addressed the team at the Spurs’ practice facility, urging players to maintain the approach that produced a 62-20 record and the franchise’s first Southwest Division title since 2017.
“He told us just to be us, not to change anything we’ve done all season,” rookie guard Stephon Castle said. “He reminded us how well we’ve been playing and that we earned this position.”
With Victor Wembanyama, Castle, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant all entering their first postseason, Popovich’s championship résumé resonated. “He’s one of the winningest coaches ever,” veteran guard De’Aaron Fox noted Friday. “It’s only right he came in to speak.”
Forward Keldon Johnson, appearing in the playoffs for the first time himself, said Popovich’s recovery is noticeable. “He looks amazing,” Johnson told The Athletic. “He texts or calls me every other day. Seeing his progress is the ultimate satisfaction.”
Under head coach Ime Udoka, San Antonio ranked third in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Players say Popovich remains a steady mentor despite no longer roaming the sidelines. “Whether games are good or bad, Pop will always tell you the truth,” Castle added. “He’s still sharp, still very much Pop, and hasn’t missed a beat.”
The Spurs open their best-of-seven series Sunday in San Antonio.
Source: ESPN
