SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama struggled to find his words.
Following the San Antonio Spurs’ victory in the Western Conference championship that secured their spot in this year’s NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, the young star was asked about his connection with former head coach Gregg Popovich and the significance of this postseason journey for the legendary coach.
Wembanyama hesitated, visibly moved by emotion, before responding.
“I don’t know what it means for him,” Wembanyama said. “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.”
Popovich, age 77, currently holds the position of President of Spurs Basketball. In an unofficial capacity, the Basketball Hall of Famer functions as coach emeritus — frequently attending team practices in San Antonio and appearing at games, occasionally using a cane for mobility. He continues to influence both players and coaching staff, even making an appearance in the locker room following the Spurs’ Game 3 defeat to Oklahoma City in the West finals to deliver both encouragement and criticism, depending on one’s viewpoint.
However, his true role is El Jefe. The leader. This is how he identified himself upon stepping down from coaching last year, making his first public appearance since suffering a stroke in November 2024 that effectively concluded his coaching tenure and resulted in Mitch Johnson taking over the position with minimal advance notice. He appeared at that event wearing a jacket, which he then opened to reveal a shirt displaying “El Jefe” across the front.
“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,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell said. “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.”
The opening game of the Knicks-Spurs championship series begins Wednesday in San Antonio.
Knicks coach Mike Brown experienced Popovich’s leadership style directly during his three-year tenure as an assistant coach in San Antonio.
Brown maintains family connections in San Antonio — leading him to mention recently that a Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals matchup would reduce his expenses since he wouldn’t need to arrange flights for as many relatives to attend the games.
“He still has a huge presence. He will always have a presence,” Brown said of Popovich. “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.”
Popovich continues to earn that reverence, even in his current role.
The veteran coach greeted the Spurs upon their return from Games 3 and 4 of their West semifinal matchup against Minnesota several weeks ago — with deliberate intent. Wembanyama had been thrown out of Game 4 following a flagrant elbow he delivered to Timberwolves forward Naz Reid. Upon Wembanyama’s arrival from the aircraft, Popovich was there waiting. Video footage captured their interaction, making it evident that Popovich was speaking while Wembanyama listened attentively.
“He gives feedback and talks to us regularly,” Wembanyama said, without revealing the content of Popovich’s message that day.
During his coaching tenure with San Antonio, Popovich captured five NBA titles, with the initial championship occurring in 1999 when the Spurs defeated the New York Knicks. The current chapter of Spurs basketball has begun, with Johnson at the helm, and it presents an intriguing parallel that his inaugural finals as Spurs coach features the same opponent as Popovich’s first championship.
“I’m fortunate my old boss is still around, and has been through this a few times,” Johnson said. “Coach Pop has been a resource.”
Following his most significant victory to date — the triumph that earned him entry to his first NBA Finals with hopes for many more — Wembanyama expressed urgency about speaking with El Jefe.
“When I talk to him, it’s going to be only stored in my head — except if I record it in secret,” Wembanyama said. “But I need to talk to him, so quick.”
Additional knowledge awaits. Four more victories are required. Wembanyama understands that if anyone possesses the blueprint for achieving those wins, it’s Popovich.
