From Spurs assistant coach to Magic head coach, the Spurs send their best wishes to Sweeney.

May 31 - According to the Associated Press, San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said ahead of the team's Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder that he was not surprised by Sweeney's impending departure to become the Orlando Magic's head coach.

“I’m happy for Shawn. He deserves it,” Johnson said ahead of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and the Thunder. “He has had many opportunities to become a head coach, so it’s just a matter of time, not whether he will become a head coach.”

This is Johnson's first full season coaching the Spurs. He previously served as interim head coach for 77 games while Popovich was sidelined due to health reasons. Last summer, he invited Sweeney to join the coaching staff as lead assistant coach, specifically responsible for building the defensive system.

Under Sweeney's leadership, the Spurs' defense has improved significantly, and the team's overall defensive efficiency has increased dramatically. Victor Wahlbanama has also grown into a top defensive core in the league within the system.

Spurs guard Devin Vassell said, "He had a huge impact on the team. He pushed everyone to be better on the defensive end, and we will miss him."

“I’m happy for Orlando, and I’m happy for ourselves, because he’s gone to the East,” Johnson said. “But more importantly, I’m excited for Sean. I think it’s a great choice, and I know some people there, so it will be a very suitable environment for him. It’s an opportunity he deserves, and I’m genuinely happy for him.”

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