LeBron James recently honored the legendary Gregg Popovich, who announced his retirement after decades of coaching the San Antonio Spurs. Under Popovich, the team secured five NBA championships, becoming a staple of success in the league. James reflected on their multiple encounters, including facing off in three NBA Finals, and the profound respect he has for Popovich as both a coach and a person. He shared how impactful it was to play under Popovich during the 2004 Olympics, describing him as a great guy and a significant figure in basketball history.

The Spurs will now be led by Mitch Johnson, who has been promoted to head coach. Johnson stepped in earlier this season when Popovich had to take a break due to health issues. He inherits a talented roster featuring emerging stars such as De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, which presents an exciting opportunity for the franchise moving forward.

The San Antonio Spurs, continuing their trend of lottery drafts for the sixth consecutive year, boast a promising young core featuring Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and the much-anticipated Victor Wembanyama. With the potential addition of De'Aaron Fox, Spurs fans are excited about their playoff prospects. Holding their own pick along with one from the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs have a 6.7% chance at the top pick. Landing Cooper Flagg could set them up for a dynasty, but the competition fears this scenario, as pairing Flagg with Wembanyama would create an overwhelming force in the league.

While a lottery win for San Antonio would be a nightmare for the rest of the NBA, it could help elevate league narratives, particularly if the duo faces off in the future NBA Finals. Despite dreams of an ideal draft outcome, the general consensus is that it may be unlikely, leading to a more balanced competition across the league.

The Sacramento Kings made a bold move during the 2024 NBA offseason, trading Harrison Barnes and a future first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs to clear space for DeMar DeRozan. Barnes has thrived with the Spurs, achieving a career-best 3-point shooting percentage while starting all 82 games. However, the Kings faced a significant setback when they dealt All-Star De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs before the trade deadline, which effectively dashed their playoff aspirations.

Meanwhile, the Spurs are building around their franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama. Although they are on the verge of forming a complete roster, they still lack a reliable backup center. With the likes of Zach Collins and Bismack Biyombo unable to fill that role effectively, the Spurs could target veteran big man Jonas Valančiūnas. A mock trade suggests the Kings could acquire Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and future picks in exchange for Valančiūnas, allowing them to focus on younger talent while opening up cap space for a backup center behind Domantas Sabonis.

The Sacramento Kings wrapped up the 2024-25 NBA season with a 40-42 record, finishing ninth in the Western Conference before falling in the play-in tournament. The team underwent significant changes, firing head coach Mike Brown and trading franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox. Doug Christie stepped in as head coach, and the Kings acquired Zach LaVine from the Spurs. Despite the turmoil, Domantas Sabonis emerged as a fantasy standout, averaging 19.1 points and leading the league in rebounds for the third consecutive season. Meanwhile, Malik Monk showed flashes of brilliance, finishing in the top 100 for the first time, though his performance fluctuated throughout the season.

DeMar DeRozan was a solid addition but will need to maintain his production as he approaches 36. Conversely, Jonas Valanciunas struggled to meet expectations after being traded mid-season, while Keegan Murray's development stuttered with reduced offensive opportunities. The Kings have a chance to improve with a 3.8% chance at a top-four draft pick. As they look to rebuild, maintaining Sabonis' fantasy value will be crucial, alongside potential breakout performances from Monk and Ellis in the next season.

Gregg Popovich has transitioned to a full-time role as president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs, stepping down as head coach after a historic 29-season tenure. Mitigating the disappointment of a sixth consecutive missed playoff appearance with a 34-48 record, the Spurs are optimistic about their future, especially with stars Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox leading the charge. Mitch Johnson has been appointed as the new head coach following a successful interim stint. Popovich, who suffered a mild stroke last November, has been involved in the offseason, focusing on his health recovery.

As a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Popovich holds the record for the most wins in NBA history, with a remarkable 1,422 regular-season victories and 170 playoff wins. His legacy includes guiding legendary players such as Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard, making his departure a significant chapter for the Spurs.