San Antonio Spurs make a move so risky, it’s insane — and Victor Wembanyama is at the center!

San Antonio Spurs make a move so risky, it’s insane — and Victor Wembanyama is at the center!

Welcome to Hoops Insider, where every dribble, every trade, and every locker room whisper becomes headline news. The NBA never sleeps, and neither do we. Let’s dive into the madness. You know, I got a guarantee from the San Antonio Spurs, so he’s always been that truth teller, right? Because he’s someone who demands excellence as well. Just forgive my curiosity. Would you mind informing us of what fat? Don’t do that. That’s over the line. Did you inform us about what the body fat was when you came back what the body fat was when you came back a month later? You don’t have to answer. Well, you can do that. I didn’t ask what Well, you can do that. I didn’t ask what it was originally. I’ll tell you, I’m not ashamed. You know what I mean? I’m comfortable being Could you answer the question? Yeah. I was at 26%. And when I came back, I was at 15%. See, And when I came back, I was at 15%. See, because Greg Papovic demands excellence. And it’s not just of players, it’s of reporters as well. He is someone who whenever I was interviewing him is someone where you have to be that much more prepared when you go into an interview with Greg Papovich. A that was a good question doesn’t sound as good coming from anyone else because you know when Greg Papovich says it he means it because typically his interviews go a little something like this. Energy levels great worst shots in the history of basketball. NASA discovered all those habitable planets the other day. You guys know about that? 1200 habitable planets. What’s new? And then last night, somebody lost a basketball game. Get over yourself. You have to have someone in charge who’s fully capable of giving their very best cuz that’s what this group deserves and demands. And we have that man here in San Antonio. Welcome to Hoops Insider, where we rip into the NBA’s most explosive stories with unfiltered passion and razor sharp insight. Today, we’re diving head first into a seismic shift that’s rocking San Antonio to its core. The Spurs, a franchise forged in the fires of stability and championship glory, have just made a jaw-dropping move. Greg Papovic, the mastermind behind five NBA titles, is Don Coaching. His throne handed not to a battle tested legend, but to Mitch Johnson, young unproven assistant now tasked with steering a franchise orbiting around the once in a generation supernova, Victor Webeyama. Is this a bold stroke of genius or a Is this a bold stroke of genius or a reckless gamble that could send the Spurs spiraling into chaos? Strap in because we’re about to unpack this highstakes decision with fire, facts, and unrelenting heart. The NBA world is buzzing and we’re here to break it all down. But why did the Spurs break it all down. But why did the Spurs turn their backs on proven champions to bet on an underdog? Let’s dig into the shocking choice that’s got fans and analysts in a frenzy. Greg Papovic isn’t just a coach, he’s a titan, a legend who carved out a he’s a titan, a legend who carved out a dynasty over 29 years with the Spurs. Five championships, a culture of discipline, unity, and relentless excellence. He mentored icons like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, turning San Antonio into a basketball mecca. But in November 2024, a mild stroke forced Papovic to step back, leaving a gaping void that threatens to swallow the franchise whole. Pop himself laid it bare. We need someone fully capable of giving their best because that’s what this group deserves. Now, with Papovic shifting to president of basketball operations, the Spurs face a defining moment, the weight of his legacy is suffocating, and the pressure on his successor is nothing short of brutal. Can Mitch Johnson, a relative unknown, rise to this monumental challenge? Or will he buckle under the shadow of a god? The stakes couldn’t be higher. So, who could have filled Pop’s colossal shoes? The Spurs had a roster of elite candidates, yet they chose the road less traveled. Let’s unravel why this decision is sparking heated debates. Let’s talk about the paths the Spurs ignored. They had a treasure trove of proven winners, coaches with deep roots in Papovic’s system, and resumes that scream success. Mike Budenhoer, a Spurs assistant from 1,996 to 2013, won coach of the year with the Hawks, and delivered a championship to Milwaukee in 2021. Then there’s Taylor Jenkins, who honed his craft with the Spurs G-League affiliate, the Austin Toros, before guiding the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances in six years alongside Jarant. These aren’t just names. They’re Giants with battle scars and trophies. Yes, both were fired this season, their flaws laid bare. Benhoer’s rigid systems crumbled in Milwaukeee’s playoff runs, and Jenkins struggled to tame Memphis’s chaotic young core. But their experience is undeniable. So, why did the Spurs roll the dice on Mitch Johnson, a coach with no head coaching pedigree over these heavyweights? It’s a move that feels like betting your life savings on a rookie in a championship game. Is this blind faith in youth or a calculated play to preserve the Spurs sacred culture? The NBA is watching and the critics are loud. But who is Mitch Johnson and why does San Antonio believe he’s the one to usher in Webanyama’s era? Let’s meet the man behind this audacious gamble. Mitch Johnson may not be a household name, but don’t you dare call him a nobody. Born to NBA veteran John Johnson, who amassed over 10,000 career points, Mitch has basketball coursing through his veins. Since 2016, he’s been grinding in the Spurs system, first as an assistant with the Austin Spurs, where he helped clinch a G-League championship in 2018. By 2019, he stepped into Tim Duncan’s role as an NBA assistant, proving his medal. When Papovic’s stroke sidelined him in November 2024, Johnson took the reigns for 77 games, leading the Spurs to a 34 to 48 games, leading the Spurs to a 34 to 48 recorder, staggering 12 win jump from the prior season’s dismal 22 to 60. That’s not a fluke, that’s leadership. Under Johnson, the Spurs offense roared, climbing from 104 points per game to 114. A testament to his modern, player empowering style. He’s calm, composed, and carries Papovic’s principles while embracing the fast-paced, dynamic NBA of today. But here’s the real kicker. He’s earned the unwavering trust of Victor Webama, the cornerstone of the Spurs future. This isn’t just a high rights, a declaration. The Spurs are betting on continuity, heart, and a coach who lives and breathes silver and black. Johnson’s numbers are compelling, but it’s his bond with Webyama that truly sets him apart. Let’s explore how he’s unlocking the future of this franchise. Victor Webbyama isn’t just a player, he’s a phenomenon, a 74 unicorn who’s rewriting the rules of basketball. And Mitch Johnson, he’s the coach handing the keys to the universe. In the 2023-24 season, Webanyama averaged five five three-point attempts per game. Under Johnson’s leadership in 2024 to 25, that number exploded to nearly nine. Why? Because Johnson trusts WBY to play like a rim protecting wing, not just a traditional big man. We himself admitted. Mitch isn’t afraid to call me out, confessing his fundamentals slipped at times, but Johnson’s tough love sharpened his edge. And it’s not just Webby. Rookie Stefan Castle, mentored by Johnson, won rookie of the year, thriving as a slasher and defender because Johnson leaned into his strengths rather than forcing an ill-fitting role. Chris Paul, a future Hall of Famer, called Johnson’s transition seamless, praising his passion and player first mentality. This is a coach who connects, who inspires, and who’s laying the foundation for a dynasty. The Spurs aren’t just building a team, they’re crafting a legacy. Johnson’s got the players trust, but can he withstand the pressure of a potential blockbuster trade? Let’s dive into the Giannis rumors and what they mean for his future. Brace yourselves because the Spurs off season is about to ignite. Whispers are growing louder that Giannis Antitompo, the Greek freak, could be on the move with San Antonio and Houston emerging as prime destinations. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the Spurs secret weapon is Webyama’s rookie contract, freeing up cap space to absorb Giannis’ massive $54 1 million salary. Imagine Giannis, Wemi, and De’aran Fox on the same quarter trio built for championships. But here’s the brutal truth. If Giannis arrives, Mitch Johnson’s seat becomes a volcano. A superstar core demands instant results, and a young coach with zero playoff experience is a risky bet. If Johnson stumbles, Papovic, now pulling strings as president, has a network of mentors ready to swoop in perhaps even Chris Paul transitioning to a player coach role. The Spurs are on a player coach role. The Spurs are on a tight rope. Stick with the rebuild or chase a title now. What do you think? Should they mortgage the future for Giannis or trust Johnson’s vision? Hit the comments and let’s debate. Before we close, let’s reflect on why this gamble could either redefine the Spurs future or haunt them for decades. The Spurs stand at a crossroads. Mitch Johnson’s rise is a testament to their faith in continuity, trust, and the enduring power of their system, but with Webyama’s prime on the horizon and Giannis rumors swirling, the stakes are astronomical. Will Johnson emerge as the next Joe Mazula, guiding a young core to greatness? Or will the Spurs bold gamble collapse under the crushing weight of expectation? At Hoops Insider, we’re glued to every twist and turn. Smash that like button, hit subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay locked into this unfolding drama. Drop your thoughts in the comments. Is Mitch Johnson the right man to lead the Spurs? Until next time, keep the fire for hoops burning bright.

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San Antonio Spurs make a move so risky, it’s insane — and Victor Wembanyama is at the center!