Spurs' Keldon Johnson Says 'You Shut the F--k Up' When Gregg Popovich Enters a Room

San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson, this season's Sixth Man of the Year, made it clear how much he and the rest of the organization respect revered team President of Basketball Operations Gregg Popovich.

ESPN's Michael C. Wright, who wrote about Popovich's present and positive impact on the team, gave some insight into that respect as the Spurs get ready for the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

"When Popovich enters a room at Frost Bank Center or the team's training facility, 'You shut the f--k up,' Spurs forward and 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson said."

Johnson has been with the Spurs ever since they selected him with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Popovich was his head coach for his five-plus seasons.

Sadly, Popovich suffered a stroke in Nov. 2024 and took an indefinite leave from coaching. He transitioned to a President of Basketball Operations role in May 2025.

Popovich is a five-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Coach of the Year who also led Team USA men's basketball to a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games. He's an NBA legend and one of the best coaches in league history. Naturally, every Spurs player or coach should seek advice from someone with a wealth of experience and success.

The Spurs have made the NBA Finals six times in their history, and Popovich was the head coach for all of them. This is a young but incredibly talented Spurs team led by second-year head coach Mitch Johnson that's very capable of winning its sixth championship.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals kicks off in San Antonio on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET against the New York Knicks.