After three decades, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich feels more like a parent to the team. The legendary coach and his squad have been at the top of the league and have won five championships together. Therefore, when the HC recently stepped away from the spotlight, stating a health emergency, it was only natural for the NBA world to express concerns. Victor Wembanyama, his rising star, shares a hopeful yet anxious message about Coach Pop’s recovery.

Wemby went on a wild run against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. The 20-year-old French center scored his career-high 50 points, making him the fourth-youngest NBA player to score a half-century in a game. So, it’s not a surprise that Gregg Popovich has seen great potential in ‘The Alien.’ However, not having Pop beside him this season does seem like a concern for Wembanyama. But he’s still optimistic the icon will return stronger in no time.

Gregg Popovich is continuing to recover after he suffered what the team called a “mild stroke” on Nov. 2. The 75YO has already missed seven games, including Wednesday night’s decisive win against the Wizards. Following the game, Wemby spoke to the media, addressing his worries about the now-recovering HC.

The Spurs center expressed: “I’m a bit worried about Pop. But at the same time, I haven’t talked to him. But I know what mindset he’s on right now,” Wemby said.“He’s working like crazy probably and trying to come back with us as quickly as possible. So I trust him. I trust the people taking care of him right now. And I hope he’s not going to be away from us for too long.”

Although Gregg Popovich’s previous health inhibitions haven’t stopped the icon from returning to the sideline, reports suggest the timeline for his comeback as the head coach remains indefinite. Not to worry, though. Coach Pop has already started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery soon.

While Popovich is away healing, Victor Wembanyama and Co. entrust their faith in the interim head coach, Mitch Johnson. The assistant coach-turned-head coach is doing a fairly good job handling the team and, well, the results are before you!

Mitch Johnson is the beacon of hope in the absence of Gregg Popovich

Since November 2, Mitch Johnson has taken over for Gregg Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs have won four out of seven games under the interim head coach. Moreover, the team believes in the newbie coach’s strategies, given that the winning percentage has increased comparatively. So, how does Victor Wembanyama feel about the job Mitch has done so far?

“I think everyone likes it. It also brings a new dynamic, and he’s had a different kind of impact on us sometimes. So we’re winning games. Mitch has our total trust,” the French opined. Interestingly, Johnson usually never sits on the sideline discussing plans. Instead, he’s on the ball, running pick-and-roll drills with Victor Wembanyama or others on the team. The dedication Johnson is putting into filling the shoes of Gregg Popovich is surely showing its results. And the team is happy about it.

So, with Pop’s return looking quite bleak for now, Mitch Johnson is the hope of the Spurs. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama’s emergence as the next big name of the league seems inevitable. The 7’3″ giant seems more unstoppable than ever, and only time will tell what more he has to offer to San Antonio and the NBA in general. Until then, let’s hope for Gregg Popovich’s speedy recovery.