Gregg Popovich-Victor Wembanyama relationship, explained: How 'El Jefe' is inspiring Spurs superstar during playoff run

At just 22 years old, Victor Wembanyama is headed to the NBA Finals.

The Spurs supernova erupted during the Western Conference Finals, claiming MVP honors as San Antonio bested the Thunder to punch its ticket to the championship series for the first time since 2014.

The Spurs look a little different this time around. Wembanyama was just 10 years old the last time San Antonio hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy. San Antonio, meanwhile, was helmed by Gregg Popovich at the time.

Twelve years on, Popovich remains on the scene, albeit in a reduced role. That didn't stop Wembanyama from praising his former coach following the Spurs' triumph, however.

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

Gregg Popovich-Victor Wembanyama relationship, explained

Wembanyama offered insight into the tight-knit nature of he and Popovich's relationship while speaking with reporters after the Spurs' win on Saturday night. When queried on what the result meant to Popovich, Wembanyama was reflective.

"That's a guy who has more experience as a coach than almost anybody." Wembanyama said. "And has been through so many things in his career and so many things right now, as 'El Jefe.' He goes through some things we can't even imagine.

"I need to call him, I need to see him, I need to talk to him. Because there's no way I can understand right now, how he feels."

Wemby talking about Coach Pop ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NrEfv9xe5A

MORE: How Spurs' Game 7 win over Thunder extends NBA's historic streak of parity

Did Gregg Popovich coach Victor Wembanyama?

Popovich coached Wembanyama for a little more than a season. When the latter entered the NBA, he was greeted by the former, who barked out orders for the Spurs during the 2022-23 season — Wembanyama's first in the league.

Under Popovich's tutelage, Wembanyama emerged as one of the league's greatest talents. He stormed to unanimous Rookie of the Year honors and placed second in Defensive Player of the Year voting at the tender age of 20.

Popovich locked down his future in San Antonio ahead of the 2023-24 season, agreeing terms to a five-year extension with his longtime employer. But five games into Wembanyama's sophomore campaign, Popovich suffered a stroke. He took an indefinite leave of absence from his team to seek treatment, with assistant Mitch Johnson stepping in as the team's interim head coach.

Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the Spurs announced that Popovich would step down. He'd move into the front office, taking on the role of president of basketball operations. Johnson, meanwhile, was appointed San Antonio's official head coach.

MORE: Knicks vs. Spurs predictions, odds, schedule and more

One year on from his retirement, Popovich continues to play a vital role in player development with the Spurs. No player encapsulates this quite like his former star pupil, Wembanyama, who has lauded Popovich for his mentorship over in recent weeks.

“I speak to him every day, before and after games. Whether it’s a quick text or a call,” Wembanyama said earlier in the playoffs. “He really emphasizes taking my time, playing off two feet, and not rushing really ’cause that’s what they do.”

When did Gregg Popovich retire?

Popovich signed a five-year contract extension with the Spurs ahead of Wembanyama's rookie season. In Nov. 2024, he suffered a stroke. Two days later, San Antonio announced that Popovich was taking an indefinite leave of absence to tend to his health. Johnson was named interim head coach in Popovich's absence.

Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the Spurs announced that Popovich moved into their front office, serving as the team's president of basketball operations. Johnson was summarily promoted to the title of head coach.

MORE: Watch as Victor Wembanyama gets emotional after clinching first Finals appearance