3 candidates that could replace Gregg Popovich as Spurs head coach ft Chris Paul

The San Antonio Spurs had it all planned out ahead of this season. Gregg Popovich brought in Chris Paul to help speed up the development of his young squad. With Victor Wembanyama set to take a step up in his progression, the team was gearing up for an improved season.

But then, the leader himself went out of the equation. Popovich suffered a stroke on November 2nd that would necessitate complete rest. Recently, it was understood that the need for rest will now stretch at least until the end of this season.

Last year with the rookie French Phenom as the primary player, the Spurs finished 22-60. His late season burst had many expecting a major improvement. But after Popovich was sidelined, many felt the situation could not get any worse.

Now the team stand outside the play in spots with a 24-31 record. That record proves they have already surpassed last season’s win total, and there are more than a quarter of the games remaining. But then, they lost Victor Wembanyama to the season after a blood clot was discovered on his right shoulder.

With a healthy Wembanyama and the recently acquired De’Aaron Fox, current interim coach Mitch Johnson could have done a good enough job to be a permanent hire. However, he is not the only option as the team could look at a few people if Gregg Popovich decides to call it quits.

Mitch Johnson as the heir to Gregg Popovich

There is no better audition than being able to coach a team to wins. To do that in the same place of work as the one looking for a new coach is even better. That is what makes Mitch Johnson the current favorite to take over his boss’ job.

He has spent five seasons working under Pop and has already worn the interim mantle on two previous occasions. Considering he is no stranger to the job, he might have the easiest path to receiving that promotion letter.

His coaching has also been instrumental as the San Antonio Spurs improve without their primary leader. However, his coaching is not without criticism. This season, former players and fans were disappointed to see Victor Wembanyama jack up threes at a much higher clip.

Many felt he was not playing true to the role which his otherwise unreal measurements could have made him one of the best. But despite that criticism, the 21-year-old had enough of an impact to become an All-Star.

Chris Paul as a player coach

However, fans did notice that it was not all Mitch Johnson’s work that helped their franchise cornerstone develop into a superstar. The center was playing alongside arguably one of the most intelligent point guards of all time in the form of Chris Paul.

Popovich signed the now 39-year-old to help his then youngest star grow in the game. Pop knew Paul is one of those rare players whose instincts and unreal knowledge about the game are next to none. With that much information available to a young generational talent, only good things could happen.

Time and again it was evident that on the court, it was Chris Paul who ran the show. He dictated the game and continuously kept giving his younger teammates instructions on how to attack their opponents. The result were some famous wins against some stout playoff teams.

The center’s untimely injury stops fans from experiencing how this duo could have turned the knob leading up to the playoffs. But even then, Paul has done his part. His fitness suggests he can continue to play, then what better than a player-coach role.

Brett Brown and other coordinators

Paul’s chances of taking over are not that great at the moment. Gregg Popovich is also the President of the San Antonio Spurs, which means he gets the first say when it comes to who his replacement would be. That means, the likes of Johnson automatically become the first choice.

If Pop believes that Johnson will need time, he could instead elevate Brett Brown to his seat. Brown is his longest serving assistant and was the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to his old post.

Brown was the leader of the Sixers’ famous ‘The Process’. He helped Joel Embiid develop into one of the best centers in the game and is a great option. But the fact that Pop assigned the younger Johnson to take over his role suggests Brown is a step behind.

Other than him, the organization can look at other standout coordinators. They could pry away one of the former head coaches serving on the Los Angeles Lakers staff. Even if they don’t, they have other coordinators they could look at.

But the Spurs are run differently. They prefer stability and know that the best way to maximize Victor Wembanyama’s elite skills is to have someone who he trusts in his corner. Hiring and firing will have a detrimental effect on a young player, which is why Mitch Johnson and Chris Paul look like viable options.