Victor Wembanyama found himself at a loss for words as he stood before reporters, having just helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the Western Conference title. The win secured their spot in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks. With emotions evident, he was asked about his relationship with former coach Gregg Popovich and what this playoff success might symbolize for the legendary coach.
Wembanyama, pausing as he processed his thoughts, expressed, “I don’t know what it means for him. That’s a guy who’s got more experience as a coach than almost anybody and has been through so many things in his career and so many things right now as ‘El Jefe.’ He goes through some things we can’t even imagine. So, I need to call him. I need to see him. I need to talk to him because there’s no way I can understand right now how he feels.”
Though officially retired, the 77-year-old Popovich holds the title of President of Spurs Basketball. His unofficial role is akin to a coach emeritus. Frequently seen at practices, games, and even lending his guidance in the locker room, Popovich’s influence remains strong. At times, he uses a cane to walk but remains a constant presence, especially evident when he gave the team a motivational talk after their Game 3 loss in the West finals to Oklahoma City, according to different perspectives that ranged from a pep talk to a stern critique.
Popovich, affectionately dubbed ‘El Jefe’ or ‘The Boss’, was named thus at his retirement event. The occasion marked his first public appearance since his 2024 stroke that ended his on-court coaching. Mitch Johnson had to take over the coaching role on short notice, stepping up in Popovich’s absence. “You talk about the greatest coach pretty much of all time to be able to sit here and tell you the experiences that they went through or that he’s been through or that he sees,” said Spurs guard Devin Vassell. “I mean, it’s second to none, honestly. He helps out. He helps out a lot. … He just has so much wisdom and stuff that you can’t take for granted.”
As the Spurs prepare for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Knicks in San Antonio, Knicks coach Mike Brown shared insights from his time as an assistant under Popovich. Brown, who spent three years with the Spurs, joked about the logistical convenience of the matchup, acknowledging Popovich’s ever-present impact on the Spurs and beyond. “He still has a huge presence. He will always have a presence,” Brown commented. “The job that he’s done, not only on the court with that team or that organization but off the court too, is going to be imprinted for as long as the game of basketball exists. His presence is very, very much felt all the time and I’ve got a lot of respect for the organization for a lot of different reasons.”
Following the Spurs’ semifinal matchup against Minnesota, Popovich met the team at the airport, a testament to his enduring role. During that series, Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 for a flagrant foul on Naz Reid. Popovich’s awaiting words after that incident were significant, and Wembanyama spoke of the continued conversations without sharing specific details.
Popovich’s legacy includes five NBA championships with the Spurs, with the first being a triumph over the Knicks in 1999. As Johnson now leads the Spurs, preparing for a finals series against the Knicks mirrors past glories. “I’m fortunate my old boss is still around, and has been through this a few times,” Johnson noted, emphasizing Popovich’s ongoing influence.
Reflecting on the recent pivotal victory, Wembanyama shared his eagerness to converse with Popovich. “When I talk to him, it’s going to be only stored in my head — except if I record it in secret,” he said jokingly. However, his immediate need was clear: to seek guidance and wisdom from ‘El Jefe’. Four more wins stand between them and another championship, and Wembanyama acknowledged Popovich’s unparalleled insight as invaluable in that chase.
AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney in Greenburgh, New York, contributed to the report.