'It Was Pure!' Spurs Ex Stanley Johnson Reveals Gregg Popovich Experience
How many games does it take to truly experience an NBA coach's impact?
It's a question seldom asked — after all, a good portion of NBA players spend seasons on end with the same coaching staff. But that isn't always the case. Other players get just a few games before being waived, while others only get 10 days.
Stanley Johnson wasn't quite the latter, but he also wasn't a long-term asset to the San Antonio Spurs — though it didn't matter. He still experienced all he needed to from Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich in the short time he played for him.
And his review of playing under the 27-year veteran? "It was pure."
San Antonio Spurs forward Stanley Johnson against the Philadelphia 76ers.
© Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
"I loved it," Johnson said on a recent podcast appearance. "I loved being coached by him. It was tough, but I love this game so much. Even when I was wrong, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed having that pure basketball."
A slew of players before Johnson who have gotten the chance to don the Silver & Black under Popovich have come away saying the same, though some — like Spurs legend Tim Duncan — have higher praise than others.
Based on that alone, it speaks levels that Johnson had such high praise for Popovich in such little time. Last season, the small forward suited up for San Antonio for just 30 games, averaging 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and a 45 percent clip from 3-point range.
Those skills, while they do reflect on Johnson's own talent, also reflect on Popovich's role in teaching the young player — which according to Johnson, wasn't always straightforward.
"[Popovich emphasized] everything," Johnson said. "How on time are you? What do you do in game? How do you think about the game? Not making it all Xs and Os all the time.
"I just love his passion for it. I love how when he comes in the room, everybody's attention elevates. Who doesn't want to play in the finals? Who doesn't want to be coached by the best? It definitely helped my career."
Johnson was waived by the Spurs back in February, and is not expected to return to San Antonio this season, but despite no longer playing for Popovich, the veteran's impact remains. And for that, Johnson is grateful, no matter where he ends up playing.
"Going forward, you're just confident in certain things," he said. "Being around him and that staff for the time [I was there], it was a blessing and I really enjoyed it."
