It's no longer a coach but a boss! Bobo's first public appearance after suffering a stroke teases Duncan Manu for revenge

On May 6, Beijing time, at the Spurs' press conference officially announcing that Mitch Johnson would take over as head coach, Popovich appeared, which was his first public appearance since suffering a stroke six months ago. Mitch Johnson reached out and Popovich shook it, then pulled him over and gave him a hug. In this way, the torch was officially handed over, and the Spurs ushered in a new era.

"I'm getting better every day, but it's still not enough to support our plans for the future," Popovich said, "so it's time for a change." ”

Accompanied by Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old Popovich spoke much softer than ever. He says his fitness is improving and he has confidence in Johnson.

Popovich will remain president of the Spurs, and the team's management structure, including CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright, will not change. Popovich also stressed that the team's philosophy will remain the same.

"Our goal is to make sure everything goes smoothly," Popovich added, adding that he is fully committed to supporting Johnson in the future.

Before asking Johnson to take the stage, Popovich took off his coat to reveal a T-shirt with his new title on it — the words "El Jefe," meaning "boss" in Spanish.

"I'm not a coach anymore," Popovich quipped, "I'm the 'boss' now." The audience burst into laughter and applause. Popovich also made a point of reminding everyone present: "He's going to do a great job." ”

Johnson looked at Popovich, took a deep breath and said, "I'm honored to have this opportunity; And being able to work with and work for these wonderful people makes me feel even more humbled. ”

Popovich's public appearance was a real surprise. Surrounded by new and old Spurs players, Popovich walked into the training hall shortly before the opening remarks of Peter J. Hoult, the team's majority shareholder.

Asked what he would learn from Popovich, Johnson said: "I can't be him, and I can't be 'boss.'" But his dedication and dedication to people and relationships – whether it's harshly criticizing, holding them accountable, or putting him on the shoulders to give him affection, he does it all, and no one else can do it. In the future, I will try to do it my own way, no matter what the final result is. ”

As the coach with the most wins in NBA history, Popovich has coached the Spurs since 1996 and has led the team to five NBA championships during that time. At this press conference, he gave a speech of about seven minutes, which opened with a few jokes, as always.

During his speech, Popovich also looked back on the past, and there was a hint of emotion in his words from time to time. On Nov. 3 of last year, hours before the Spurs' game against the Timberwolves, he suffered a stroke. Johnson then served as acting coach for the remaining 77 games of the season and was officially appointed head coach today.

"I can't thank you enough for a lot of people who care about the team and send me blessings and prayers since I had a stroke," Popovich said, "and it's getting better day by day, but it's still not up to what we have planned for the future, so we have to change now." ”

Popovich also thanked the many people who helped him recover, some of whom also attended a press conference held at the team's training base, the Rock Center.

"Tim and Manu stayed with me every time I trained," Popovich teased, "and they said they loved me, they were afraid that I would fall and help me, and so on. I think this is 'revenge', they give the therapist ideas, and they change their ways to torment me, and no one can hide it. ”

Popovich thanked the former players and coaches who were on the field, noting that the Spurs' success depends on every staff member — from the staff performing at the game, to the box office staff, to the cleaners, window cleaners, and more. He also praised the fans for their support over the years and promised that the Spurs would not let them down.

"Every one of us has a role to play," Popovich said, "not just the players and the coaches. ”

Johnson said the Spurs' core principles — staying on the right track, valuing legacy, and always welcoming back old players — will remain the same. "The core spirit of the team will not change." Johnson said.