Officially announced that the Spurs detonate the league, Wright shows up, and the deal is expected to be completed

Do you dare to believe it? The San Antonio Spurs, the legendary team that once relied on Popovich to "turn stones into gold", has now handed over the coaching position to Mickey Johnson, a "rookie" coach who is famous for chewing gum! Is this operation a masterpiece or a self-destruction of the future? Not to mention that the management also targeted Antetokounmpo and Durant, preparing to set off a trading storm. Is this young Spurs reborn in the ashes or taking a nap on the edge of a cliff?

Speaking of the Spurs' future, Wenban Yama and Castle are definitely unavoidable topics. In 2024, Castle was born as the No. 4 show and won the title of Best Rookie! This young man is not a slim airs that only knows how to dunk. He is so "versatile" on the court. For example, in the preseason in October 2024, the Spurs played against the Golden State Warriors, Castle and Vinbanya staged a "pick-and-roll show", one with precise assists and the other with an all-match dunk. The two teamed up to score 45 points, directly hitting the Warriors to the point of "finding teeth all over the ground". After the game, ESPN commentator exclaimed: "If these two people are well connected, the Spurs' offense will be scary!"

What do I think? The chemical reaction between Castle and Wenban is indeed eye-catching. One organization connects and the other rules the basket, which is a perfect match. But the stability of young players is a question, especially in the tough battles of the regular season, whether Castle can withstand the pressure still has to be questioned.

When it comes to Spurs' new coach Mickey Johnson, fans probably have to roll their eyes. This guy has been an assistant coach for 10 years, and the biggest highlight is the "famous scene" of chewing gum on the sidelines. Don't rush to complain. In the 2023-2024 season, Popovich missed several games due to health problems, and Johnson was ordered to be in danger. For example, in the game against the Lakers, his defensive strategy made LeBron James' efficiency plummet, and the Spurs narrowly won. Popovich praised him afterwards: "This kid has two tricks!"

What is even more surprising is that management RC Buford and Brian Wright directly gave him a multi-year contract extension. According to US journalist Michael Scotto, this decision will be finalized in the summer of 2024. The data also supports Johnson: Castle's quasi-triple-double performance in the second lineup and his leap in offensive organizational capabilities are inseparable from Johnson's tactical adjustments.

What do I think? Johnson's "rookie" label is a bit unfair. He is influenced by Popovich and has a good tactical foundation. But the NBA's coaching position is not a game of "cats and mice". On-site response and decisions under high pressure are the bottom line. Whether he can make the Spurs "turn over" depends on the real game.

Don't think that Popovich has "retired from the mountains" after resigning as head coach! In 2024, he transformed into the Spurs president and became the "behind the scenes" of the team. According to The Athletic, in August 2024, Popovich held a senior meeting at the San Antonio headquarters and personally formulated the "three-year championship plan." core? Taking Wenban Yama as the axes, he made a two-pronged approach to the Western Conference Finals by 2027! He also often "teaches" with Johnson to teach tactical secrets to ensure that the Spurs' "team basketball" is not lost. What does the

say? Analysts in Sports Illustrated believe that Popovich's behind-the-scenes role has kept the Spurs stable during the transition period, and his experience is the team's "stabilizing needle".

What do I think? Popovich's move "retreat" is really clever. It not only gives Johnson space, but also does not let the team deviate from the track. But will the old coach's strong style make Johnson "like a slut" and limit his performance? This is worth observing.

In the summer of 2024, the Spurs brought All-Star guard De Aaron Fox from the Kings, which was a "big deal"! In the opening game against the Mavericks, Fox scored 18 points and 12 assists at home in San Antonio, and fed Castle and Vinbanyama "full of mouth". Johnson set him a new role as an offensive starting point, scoring less and organizing more. Data shows that Fox averaged a career high this season, reaching 9.5 times, making it the "engine" of the Spurs.

NBA data analysis website Cleaning the Glass pointed out that Fox ranks in the top ten in the league in fast break efficiency, which makes the Spurs as fast as a "wild horse".

What do I think? Fox's transformation has made the Spurs' offense "more than wings", but his defensive shortcomings may become "weakness" in the playoffs. The Spurs have to rely on team defense to "check out the omissions and fill in the gaps", otherwise they will probably be "defeated" when encountering a backcourt killer like Harden and Curry.

The Spurs' ambition is not just "taking steady steps". 2025 is the year of the draft. The Spurs hold two first-round lottery draws, which is extremely valuable! ESPN draft expert Jeremy Woo revealed that management is staring at Antetokounmpo and Durant, preparing to "put out the big move." In July 2024, Brian Wright had a close conversation with Bucks senior executives in New York, and almost used a lottery to sign and add a young player to Antetokounmpo. Although the negotiation was not completed, the signal was obvious enough: the Spurs were going to "bet a big bet"!

Why are the Suns and the Bucks tempted? There are "monster newcomers" like Flag and Bailey in the 2025 draft pool. The exchange of super giants for signings can allow the team to rebuild quickly, which is simply "seamless connection". NBA trading expert Bobby Marks analyzed that if the Spurs can introduce Antetokounmpo and cooperate with Wenban Yama's inside dominance, the top four in the Western Conference will be no problem.

#Picture and Text Check-in Plan#My Views? The Spurs' operation is a bit like "find wealth and danger". Antetokounmpo or Durant can immediately improve its combat power, but it is not a small risk to exchange the future for the present. If the draft pick can win the next "Duncan", the Spurs' revival may be more stable.