Feb 11, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks to Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) after a game at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images

NBA Star Dejounte Murray's Message to Gregg Popovich

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 6, 2025 7:32 PM ET

The NBA world might've been expecting the news to come eventually, but the San Antonio Spurs made it official when they announced that Gregg Popovich will no longer be the head coach of the Spurs going forward. Transitioning to a new role as the President of Basketball Operations, the team will promote interim head coach Mitch Johnson to the full-time head coach going forward.

Popovich, who is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the NBA, saw former players take to social media to send their messages to him about how he affected their careers. Whether it was a connection through USA Basketball or the Spurs, Popovich made his impact on countless players. One of those was Dejounte Murray, as the New Orleans Pelicans guard sent a heartfelt message.

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A post shared by Dejounte Murray (@dejountemurray)

Now, with Johnson taking over as the head coach for the Spurs, Murray also has a connection with him as well. The two built a deep personal connection back in Seattle when Johnson helped build an AAU team with Murray, as he went on to become an All-PAC-12 selection in his one season with the Washington Huskies.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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