Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich addressed the San Antonio Spurs before their playoff series against Portland, continuing his mentorship role while recovering from a stroke suffered in November 2024. The 77-year-old legend advised the team to maintain their approach without changes, according to guard Stephon Castle.

The Spurs enter the postseason with the league's second-best record at 62-20 and their first Southwest Division title since 2017. While Victor Wembanyama and most teammates make their playoff debut, Popovich provides invaluable experience. "He's one of the winningest coaches ever," De'Aaron Fox noted, acknowledging his mentorship.

Veteran Keldon Johnson shared that Popovich "looks amazing" and stays in touch regularly, texting or calling every other day. The young roster features multiple players under 25, including Wembanyama, Castle, Vassell, and Champagnie. "He's still very much Pop," Johnson added, emphasizing the coach's unchanged personality despite his health challenges.