Former Spurs Player Shares Backstory on Gregg Popovich's Wembanyama Decision
Former San Antonio Spurs player Sean Elliott has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about Gregg Popovich's decision to keep coaching Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama arrived in San Antonio as a true generational talent, and the franchise has quickly turned into one of the NBA's most exciting teams again.
But according to Elliott, Popovich was seriously considering retirement before Wembanyama came along. Once the Spurs landed the young star, Popovich reportedly felt a responsibility to stay, guide him properly, and help give him the foundation needed to understand life in the NBA.
Speaking to Rich Eisen on the latest episode of his show Elliott said, "Before Victor got drafted, he (Popovich) was really on the verge of retiring. When we won the lottery that year, there were a whole bunch of former players who told Pop he's gotta stick around. Because he's gotta give this young kid a great foundation in this league. Pop felt like he really had an obligation to give him a solid foundation... teach him what this league is all about."
"Pop felt like he really had an obligation to give him a solid foundation... teach him what this league is all about."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 1, 2026
Former Spur Sean Elliott influenced Coach Pop to stick around to coach Wemby, regardless of him contemplating retirement
(Via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/oFDmiRgLZN
Victor Wembanyama may be the face of the Spurs' new era, but Gregg Popovich still feels tied to everything happening in San Antonio.
Even though Popovich is no longer running games from the bench, his presence remains important for Wembanyama. The young star has made it clear that Popovich is still someone he leans on, especially during this playoff run.
After San Antonio reached the NBA Finals, Wembanyama spoke about Popovich in a way that showed just how much respect he has for him. He described him as "El Jefe" and said he wanted to call and speak with him because Popovich's perspective on the moment would be different from anyone else's.
That relationship has been built over time. Popovich helped introduce Wembanyama to the NBA, teaching him how to handle the league, how to slow the game down, and how to manage the pressure that comes with being a franchise player.
Even now, Wembanyama says they stay in contact often. Those conversations may not always be long, but they clearly matter.
The Spurs have moved forward with a new coach, but Popovich's influence has not disappeared. In many ways, Wembanyama's rise still carries a lot of Pop's fingerprints.
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 1:44 PM.