It’s difficult to imagine that the legendary Gregg Popovich’s time in San Antonio is coming to an end or has passed. The Popovich-Spurs drama has been one of the most memorable in professional sports history. Over their 27-year collaboration, the team has won over 1,400 games, had numerous heroic playoff moments, and advanced to the NBA Finals six times, winning five of them.
Today, the Spurs are toward the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Many would understand if Popovich does not feel compelled to make a decision on his return as quickly as others, considering his team’s situation.
He would not return to a squad on the verge of a lengthy playoff run. Instead, this team is dedicated to battling and improving in every manner possible. Coach Pop’s absence during this time is not always a bad thing.
If Coach Pop does not return, the Spurs will have a limitless number of possibilities.
As Popovich’s future remains uncertain, the front office may begin to seriously investigate prospective successors. Interim head coach Mitch Johnson is at the top of the list because of his close relationship with the organization and ability to keep the Spurs competitive this season. He had a couple dubious lineup decisions, but consider this a learning experience for him.
Becky Hammon, a former Spurs assistant and current head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, is a name that has come up regularly in discussions about the prospective coaching position. This is understandable, given Hammon’s strong ties with the Spurs.
She has also demonstrated a track record of high-level accomplishment when given the opportunity to manage a team. In her three seasons in Sin City, Hammon has won two championships.
Offensive masterminds James Borrego and the recently unemployed Taylor Jenkins will also be in high demand this summer. Each has their unique ties to the Spurs. However, there is one applicant who has the potential to have a greater effect than the rest.
A former NBA champion could be exactly what this young team needs.
A change in identity is exactly what this team requires. They are making progress, however slowly, as they navigate what has been a turbulent season. Losing Popovich and Victor Wembanyama, who is considered as one of the greatest in the league, is a setback for this Spurs club.
Coach Johnson has kept things afloat this year, despite going through the same growing difficulties as his players. It’s obvious that something is still missing.
Sam Cassell has been an NBA assistant coach for nearly two decades and should have become the head coach before John Cena became bald. Cassell has received numerous accolades for his efforts as an assistant, proving that he possesses the essential leadership abilities.
Cassell is a four-time NBA Champion. He won two championships with the Houston Rockets in the mid-1990s and one more with the Boston Celtics at the end of his career in 2008. His fourth title came from the Celtics’ championship run last summer, when he was in his second season as an assistant coach for the team.
Aside from his 15 years as an assistant coach and championship expertise, Sam Cassell can address a specific area of need in San Antonio. Over the last five seasons, the Spurs have been one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams.
In a league where winning games from beyond the arc is becoming increasingly important, Cassell would bring his sharpshooting skills as well as the crucial knowledge he garnered with the Celtics, who have been the best three-point shooting team in the NBA since 2021.
Cassell’s versatility gives him a big advantage over other options, since he can work well with this young roster. This club is still searching for its identity, and it requires someone who has faced problems as a professional athlete himself.
Few appreciate the NBA’s fast-paced lifestyle and the value of discipline more than a 15-year veteran.
It remains to be seen whether Popovich retires. There is a good chance that he will still be at the heart of everything before the 2025-2026 season. Fans want to see the beloved head coach back to San Antonio; nevertheless, many acknowledge that numerous candidates might have a huge impact on the franchise’s future, with Cassell standing out above the rest.
Regardless, whoever gets the privilege of coaching this club if Pop does not return will be extremely lucky. They will inherit a superstar tandem in Wemby and rookie of the year, favorite Stephon Castle, backed up by excellent supporting players.
Furthermore, the Spurs still have significant draft capital to use in the future. Most significantly, the Spurs are set to open a new arena in downtown San Antonio soon, surrounded by an entertainment sector, which will boost the franchise’s prestige in the future.
Things are improving in the Alamo City. They simply need the correct coach to steer the wagon.
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