There are moments when even a 7-foot-4 giant runs out of words, overwhelmed by a respect that borders on something almost sacred. Right after clinching the Western Conference title over the Oklahoma City Thunder (Western Conference Finals MVP), Victor Wembanyama was asked a seemingly simple question about his relationship with Gregg Popovich.

It’s the ineffable bond between the league’s future and its most storied past – a relationship built on glances, silence, and admiration that words struggle to contain:

I don’t know what this means for him. We’re talking about a man with more experience than anyone else, who is now dealing with things we can’t even imagine. I need to call him, see him, talk to him. There’s no way I can understand right now how he feels

Victor Wembanyama

The legendary Popovich, 77, and current San Antonio Spurs president, effectively serves as the organization’s guiding figure, regularly attending practices and home games despite the aftermath of the stroke he suffered in November 2024, which ended his decades-long run as head coach and elevated Mitch Johnson to the sideline.

His presence is especially felt in key moments: after the loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals to OKC, Popovich personally went into the locker room to challenge and motivate the group – an intervention that helped spark the team’s comeback.

“Jefe’s” influence was also highlighted by guard Devin Vassell, who emphasized the invaluable weight of his advice and wisdom, as well as by Knicks head coach Mike Brown, a former assistant in San Antonio.

Popovich’s impact extends even into the smallest details of daily operations. Just a few weeks ago, he was at the airport to greet Wembanyama and give him immediate feedback after the French star was ejected in Game 4 against Minnesota.

In a strange twist of fate, the first NBA Finals of the Mitch Johnson era will feature the Spurs against the Knicks – the exact same Finals matchup from 1999, when Popovich captured the first of his five championships.

When I talk to him, I’ll keep everything in my mind – unless I secretly record it. But I need to speak to him as soon as possible

Victor Wembanyama

For the young Spurs head coach, having access to a figure like Popovich is a massive advantage, while Wembanyama makes no secret of his urgency to share every detail of the upcoming Finals with his mentor.