Official: Shams Pop steps down, will be Team President

[Texas Chuck]

Pop definitely deserves a thread.

[SkyHook]

End of an era. He's earned a well deserved rest. Legend.

[gswhoops]

Sad that he didn't get to end his legendary career on his own terms, but this seems like the right call.

[Texas Chuck]

Mitch Johnson getting the interim tag lifted per Shams

[Snakebites]

One of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

I'm glad he's not risking his health to continue coaching.

[the_process]

Keeping Pop on board in the front office gives the old goat something to do to keep him active while not trying to kill him by running him ragged out on the road for 7/8 months a year.

This seems like the best of both worlds scenario for Pop.

As for the new coaching hire, I think the Spurs could've done better. However, it's just like them to promote their lead assistant and interim HC.

[Chinook]

I don't like Mitch Johnson getting the nod unless he's going to get free reign to coach and has some big changes he wants to implement. The Spurs have had a coaching issue for years now, and they shouldn't be aiming for continuity in that regard. Give Johnson a real chance, but be willing to move on to a real coach in a year or two if the problems continue.

[Scoot McGroot]

Keeping Pop on board in the front office gives the old goat something to do to keep him active while not trying to kill him by running him ragged out on the road for 7/8 montgs a year.

This seems like the best of both worlds scenario for Pop.

I assume that Pop will also be doing a ton of physical/occupational therapy and rehab at the team facilities, too, so this seems optimal to give him a position while he’s around.

[the_process]

Keeping Pop on board in the front office gives the old goat something to do to keep him active while not trying to kill him by running him ragged out on the road for 7/8 montgs a year.

This seems like the best of both worlds scenario for Pop.

I assume that Pop will also be doing a ton of physical/occupational therapy and rehab at the team facilities, too, so this seems optimal to give him a position while he’s around.

Agreed. And the last thing you want is him alone at home moping around.

[wemby]

I don't like Mitch Johnson getting the nod unless he's going to get free reign to coach and has some big changes he wants to implement. The Spurs have had a coaching issue for years now, and they shouldn't be aiming for continuity in that regard. Give Johnson a real chance, but be willing to move on to a real coach in a year or two if the problems continue.

I think this is the Spurs signaling a) they don't like the available external options enough to make a long term commitment, and b) they don't see themselves as ready to truly contend. This is most likely another step forward in the Thunder & Rockets' footsteps: see how Wemby comes back and Mitch handles the pressure, be oportunistic in trades and signings, make the playoffs and hope to make the second round (and maybe fall short), before going all in probably in one more season. If the team doesn't overachieve next season and a top notch coach becomes available, I would expect them to entertain the idea of changing horses.

[wemby]

Oh, and I think we can safely assume Mitch Johnson getting the nod severely plays down the "Spurs all in" trade proposals we often see around here. I wouldn't expect anything crazy, unless it's an opportunity you can't pass up (say, Giannis DEMANDS a trade to the Spurs like Fox did, or something you truly can't say no to).

[Blame Rasho]

I really wonder how much will Pop be involved with trades and draft selections.

The other thing with changes in CBA, it is important for you to get your core guys locked in and then build around draft picks.

I think everyone outside of Wemby is fair game, even Castle if it means getting a legit stud next to him. I am not a fan of Fox because the lack of spacing the Spurs have.

We will see what happens.