Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown learn from Gregg Popovich's coaching approach.

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated NBA Finals matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks on June 3, two prominent coaches are drawing inspiration from a legendary figure - Gregg Popovich's coaching philosophy is having a significant impact on Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown.

Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown honed their skills under the guidance of Gregg Popovich, a legendary coach who achieved great success with San Antonio, winning an impressive five NBA championships.

Under Gregg Popovich's mentorship, Mike Brown developed his coaching skills from 2000-03. During this period, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory over the New Jersey Nets in the 2003 NBA Finals. Even more surprisingly, Brown and Popovich co-coached a first-grade flag football team with six players, dominating their competition.

Mike Brown reflected on their past success, crediting a strong team dynamic under Gregg Popovich's guidance as offensive coordinator.

Mike Brown affirms that he continues to follow several key philosophies derived from Gregg Popovich's coaching methods, which were refined during intense sessions at the Spurs' facility alongside his esteemed mentor.

Brown emphasizes that Popovich's impact extended far beyond the basketball court to his personal life as well.

Staying true to one's vision is crucial for growth and development. It involves keeping a large group of people engaged, including not just the core team of 15 or 18 players but also everyone within the organization and throughout the community. This fosters a sense of unity and connection among all stakeholders.

Mitch Johnson's tenure with the Spurs began in Austin, where he initially worked as an assistant for their G League affiliate before transitioning to San Antonio in 2019 as an assistant coach. Following Gregg Popovich's health setback in early November 2024, Johnson assumed interim coaching duties and guided the team to a 32-45 record for the remainder of that season.

Upon Popovich's retirement in May 2025, Mitch Johnson took over as head coach, leading San Antonio to an impressive turnaround with a record of 62-20 and securing second place in the Western Conference standings. This remarkable achievement culminated in a thrilling seven-game series victory against Oklahoma City Thunder, sending them back to the Finals for the first time since 2014.

Gregg Popovich, as the Spurs' president of basketball operations, subtly guided Mitch Johnson throughout his development with a mix of behind-the-scenes and hands-on involvement.

Johnson emphasizes that his connection with Popovich remains strong, citing the exchange of feedback, discussions, and mutual challenges as key aspects. The seasoned coach has been a valuable source of guidance throughout his journey, particularly from October onwards.

Having a consistent and reliable presence is crucial in any partnership, but it's equally important to have the autonomy to make decisions and implement one's own vision. The freedom to experiment and take calculated risks is invaluable. In fact, I'm not aware of anyone who has had this level of trust and empowerment this year. It's a privilege that shouldn't be underestimated, and I'm grateful for the impact he's made while also giving me the space to grow as an individual.

While our menu offerings differ from Popovich's, we're striving to create a cohesive experience by linking seemingly disparate elements together.

Mitch Johnson and Mike Brown study Gregg Popovich's tactics.