Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead. And with that, the torch was officially passed. It’s a new era in San Antonio. READ: NBA: Gregg Popovich coaching farewell ‘end of an era’ Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago,

The NBA's all-time wins leader addressed his recovery from a stroke as he becomes team president and Mitch Johnson takes over as coach.

Gregg Popovich understood the world. That goes back long before the basketball world knew who he was. It probably can be traced to at least Popovich’s time at the U.S.