Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red

Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red

‘Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red’ remains under construction as a online presentation.

Website: Michael & The Cricket

Presentation Title: / Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red

Draft: June 13, 2026  /

Completion Date July 2026 /

Topic: … … the (32-0 ) Ward Smith Coaching dismissal / The Dean Smith effigy burning, as per Mitchell C. Johnson and Sean Sweney

UNDER CONSTRUCTION
June 11, 2026

‘Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red’ is a satire online presentation.

 

Topic: … … (1)the (32-0 ) Ward Smith Coaching dismissal

 

/ (2)The Dean Smith effigy burning,

 

(3) … … as per Mitchell C. Johnson and Sean Sweney

The Doctor

Candy and Nuts

Victor Wembanyama Post

Eaten By A Big Red Apple

The Doctor

R.C. Buford – He’s Not Here

Victor Wembanyama Post

Dark Side of the Moon

Victor Wembanyama Post

Wemby The Cricket

Victor Wembanyama Post

Numb and Dumb

Victor Wembanyama Post

In A New York Minute

Victor Wembanyama Post

Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red

The Doctor

Spring Time In Paris

The Doctor

Faith Prayer & Basketball

Michael Jordan Post

MJ and The Mafia

Victor Wembanyama Post

Put the Lime In The Coconut

NBA

Oscar Daniel Schmidt: Mão Santa

Victor Wembanyama Post

Victor and Joe Barry Read For Success

Stars and Stories

Hugo the Hustler

The Doctor

Phog Allen

NBA

Victor Wembanyama Wikki

Michael Jordan Post

The ‘Dean’ of Basketball

Stars and Stories

Harry Buck Lou

Of course being from the Planet Pluto Professional Basketball League,  (PPPBL) .  I have some hoops knowledge .  However, I have absolutely no idea how to coach an NBA basketball team day-to-day, or month-to-month.  Nevertheless, there are some basic principles that remain shared between the different terrestrial basketball domains.

One shared principal is that a great championship basketball team needs a great coach.  There are many great coaches.  They come in many flavors and different sizes.  Each has their own unique path and method of achieving success.  All great coaches are very noticeable to good players and other coaches on every planet. 

Like a person who can taste a fine wine, knowing how it is made is not required.  It is simply  … … 

While closely observing Mitchell C. Johnson coach the San Antonio NBA basketball team for the past nine months, I can say with absolute certainty,  The Spurs are lucky to have Mitch Johnson as the head basketball coach.  In my opinion, he is very good at his craft.  I am willing to also say this young thirty-nine (39) year old Coach is going to turn into a fine wine some day. 

Read the articles titled: ‘Ditch Mitch’ which is actually an Antithesis Presentation to the article title.

antitheses; Greek for “setting opposite”, from ἀντι- “against” and is used in writing or speech either as a proposition that contrasts with or reverses some previously mentioned proposition, … or when two opposites are introduced together for contrasting effect. Thus, ‘Ditch Mitch’ is the opposite of its title, claiming you better hope Mitch Johnson remains as the Spurs Head Coach for some time.  No great coach was born at being a great coach at birth.  It takes time, like a fine wine.  Just as the grapes on Loire Valley, France turn into fine wine, Mitch Johnson is going to improve his mastery into a great coach. 

‘Ditch Mitch’ is a coaching analysis and critique of some of the difficult situations and decisions made by Spurs Head Coach.  It is not a criticism, quite the opposite, it’s a presentation of ideas for growth.  

Date: June 3, 2026

Time: 04:14  EST

Wednesday / Mission Complete – game 1 NBA Finals /

Carter Byant is ‘Zenyatta”!  Yes Zenyata at her 2-3 year old development stage.  I wish I could make him listen and read this report on Zenyatta.  Then, I would give him a big hug and then a big swat on his ass,  yelling giddy up baby boy, run, run run. ( See/View: Blue -Learn More – Zenyatta – Athletic Rarity)

Date: June 3, 2026

Time:14:14  EST

Wednesday

there is a realization reads this report, and if it is read by anyone in the Spurs organization, that will not happen before the season has ended..

But it will nevertheless serve a contribution.  Coaching is make difficult decisions, most often, quickly, on the fly, during games, at half time.

 

Then, in the great power of hind-sight, a Coach goes back and looks at his decisions.  The option he chooses versus the other options which were available at the moment of decision.   Smart coaches don’t second guess, they analyse.  So, perhaps this helps Coach Mitch post game, down the road. 

That’s all … game time in 7 hours.

The ‘Key’ to the 2026 NBA Final is;

Butt Slapping’ the Young Thorough Bred Basketball Player,  Carter Bryant

Read: ‘Bobby The Butt Slapper’

Podcast & Page found here.

Podcast: 2026 NBA Finals Game 1

The ‘Key’ to the 2026 NBA Final is ‘Butt Slapping the young Carter Bryant

Read: ‘Bobby The Butt Slapper’

Podcast: 2026 NBA Finals Game 1

Tha deep analogy comparing professional basketball players to thoroughbred racehorses, specifically highlighting the legendary mare Zenyatta

Podcast – Zenyatta Athletic Rarity

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT – The NYC Media

To: Coach Mitchell Johnson

The Zen Master, Phillip Jackson,  would always create some goofy inside fictional, partially fiction, or a made up character  with a name, during the (10) NBA Championship runs. 

…  I thought maybe Pop did this a little bit too. ..

I loved Coach Greg Popovich being interviewed.  Period.  I loved hearing what he was communicating.  It was not what the media wanted to hear.  Their relationship with Pop was great, they were like babies,  it was not the relationship the media reported it was,  … the real Pop verses the media relationship was  HILARIOUSLY funny,   He was brilliant  dealing with the media …. always insightful … they always tried to prove they knew more than he knew about basketball.  The  Zen master was great, but Pop was, well , darn clever and funny.

If I could, but I can’t,  I would suggest to Coach Mitch, he should begin today doing this diversion media adventure.  It works … it would help the team.  spur players and coaches are too honest and forthright to the media.  ‘Close the door of team information  during the 2026 NBA Finals.   You can open the door again next year.

Make up the fictional story … … then , you start talking about this fictional creation when you don’t want to be direct with the media,

YOU MUST BE MORE ILLUSIVE WITH NYC Media. 

You have never faced what you are about to receive, unfortunately for you. 

The New York media like to eat their young child alive.

… … screw ’em if they can’t take a joke!  Make up an inside only joke.  Get a few players in on it … they should fill the media ears with a little B.S. back at them …

…. and no need to be direct during the Finals, stop be so darn honest Mitch … your too honest in your interview.  Emulate Pop a little …

start telling the media some B.S. about this “fictional” person or play, or something.

Nobody can call you on it, you made it up, IT TAKES PRESSURE AWAY FROM players.  

it occupies the insatiable MEDIA,

think about it… … … 

… … better than trying to explain yourself to these goofy bag reporters ….

? two ll’s?? Mitchell?

You should get and use a fax machine.

Secret channel , secret line,  ‘ole school’, ….

Good luck in NYC

Doctor Dunkenstein’s Shared Coaching LessonsOn The San Antonio Spurs 2026 NBA Season

Most of the lesson have corresponding verbal podcast.

c/o Coach Mitchell Chase Johnson  / R.C. Buford

  1. Sometimes We Cry
  2. The Golden Rule of Basketball
  3. Bobby The Butt Slapper
  4. The Cricket – Doctor Dunkenstein
  5. 2026 Texas Road Trip
  6.  The Three Stooges
  7. FAITH & Basketball (A Wemby Exclusive) 
  8. Zenyatta -Athletic Rarity
  9.  Spike Lee – Do The Right Thing Shelton
  10. The Golden Rules of Basketball

End

THEY WON GAME 7 of the WCF, onto the 2026 NBA FINALS!

Mitch is one very ‘COOL Cookie’ … … in this pressure situation. 

The Spurs organization found a ROCK. 

Date June 1, 2026

Coach Mitch Johnson speaks most often in the first person plural, which is the word “WE”.  The first person singular is “I”

An observation made in dozens of 2026 pregame and post game San Antonio Spurs interviews.

MINDSET WELL EXPRESSED

Grammar Lesson Examples Humor intended)

First Person Singular: “I am a great coach.  I am the best coach in the entire world .  (maybe on Pluto as well).  My work is impeccable!

First Person Plural:  We are great coaches, We are the best coaches in the entire world . ( We know Doctor Cricket Dunkenstein is the best coach on Pluto). Our work is impeccable! 

Coach Mitchell is the BEST Coach in the NBA Western Conference 2026 season! Best … greatest 

Funny?

Definitely the most,  upps … one of the most, articulate .

Rumor: Coach Mitchell Chase Johnson was called, a NICKNAME ,by a former, Stanford University basketball player, (not sure his name),  “The Diagram” or “The Clip Board”.

Apparetnly he loves to get the players out on the floor for walk through exercise, he moves the players like chess pieces,  sometimes with clip board in hand. 

What is the actual real nickname

Players report enjoyment in these sessions,  easy fun work ,  word is, its a detailed ‘Chess Game” , figures — Stanford Guy .

Details sought

Gotta tell players NOT to engage Spike … Read ‘Do The Right Thing Shelton”. ( should explain)

Coach Mitch Johnson

Coach Mitch Johnson speaks post game 7 WCF.  Never has he appeared more tired at any time this season.

Somebody should get this exhausted coach a chair.   He deserves to rest and sit for a minute.   Great work coach.  

Remember, …  Diamonds are formed by severe and extended pressure on a solid hard rock.

Mitch Johnson was  pretty darn solid as Head San Antonio Spurs basketball coach in 2026. …  …

[…  just like complaining about the the refs, and filing a formal NBA office complaint,  I may need to file a my complaint with the  Global Pluto Basketball League (GPBL).  Complaint Issue:  Mitch Johnson remark “… … grind time  … (when) nobody cares …  I cared, coach … I guess Doctor Dunkenstein is a NOBODY.   I created  and wrote everything on this entire website throughout the entire season.  I cared about every game.  (  humor intended )

Mitch Johnson 

Hey, it’s Doc, … …. Doctor Cricket Dunkenstein, here again with breaking news.

The San Antonio Spurs made the ‘Cricket Caretaker’ permanent.   Great news.

We , the cricket basketball world, (they, the Spurs) found a the guy who you all should listen to speak about Victor Wembanya’s basketball endeavors and the San Antonio Spurs.  He actually knows a few things about the game … … …

 He thinks, reads and speaks well … … probably from being around all those nerds on the campus of Standford?  I will bet,  he even writes well …… .

Mitch looks like ‘A Small Blessing’  for a big young man, Victor Wembanyama , and the entire Spurs team, as well as the  organization.  After Pop’s unexpected sudden health issues … … …  .  Naturally, questions and doubts were created by . those outside of the organization.   Pop was a rock.  Rocks like Pop are hard to find in the Texas basketball desert, actually anywhere, for that matter..

It’s good to be in a GOOD group of people.    Mitch may even know how to raise crickets.  We sure hope so. 

( A good ‘Bass Fisherman‘ knows how to raise and use crickets to fish )

My first question to Mitch, “Do you fish”?  Have you ever used crickets while fishing?

Between Victor and Mitch, neither of the two look old enough to purchase beer without an Identification card (ID).  However, don’t let looks deceive you, they got good basketball heads behind those baby faces.

Question #2 for Mitch:  Did your Dad have the same problem in Seattle that I had for a year,  a problem called ‘guarding Tom Chambers’ , Sonics …. 1981-82?

Mitch Johnson was named interim head coach of the San Antonio Spurs on November 5, 2024, after head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke. [1, 2]
He later transitioned from the interim role to the full-time head coach of the Spurs on May 2, 2025

Mitch Johnson

Mitch Johnson

Johnson during a pre-game interview in 2026
San Antonio Spurs
TitleHead coach
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born

November 29, 1986 (age 39)

Seattle, Washington, U.S
Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High schoolO’Dea (Seattle, Washington)
CollegeStanford (2005–2009)
NBA draft2009: undrafted
Playing career2009–2011
PositionPoint guard
Coaching career2015–present
Career history
Playing
2009Tulsa 66ers
2010–2011VEF Rīga
Coaching
2015–2016Portland Pilots (assistant)
2016–2019Austin Spurs (assistant)
2019–2024San Antonio Spurs (assistant)
2024–2025San Antonio Spurs (interim HC)
2025–presentSan Antonio Spurs
Career highlights

As head coach:

  • NBA All-Star Game head coach (2026)

As assistant coach:

  • G League champion (2018)

Mitchell Chase Johnson[1] (born November 29, 1986) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He replaced Gregg Popovich, who stepped down after 29 seasons. He previously served as the interim head coach and assistant coach of the Spurs, and served as an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs from 2016 to 2019. He played college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal.

Early life

Johnson was born in Seattle, Washington, on November 29, 1986.[2] He is the son of former NBA player John Johnson, who won the 1979 NBA Finals with the Seattle SuperSonics,[3] and Jenny Redman.[4]

High school career

From 2002 to 2005, Johnson played for O’Dea High School under coach Phil Lumpkin, where he was the team captain.[4] During his time at O’Dea, he was a four time All-Metro selection, three-time All-area honor, two-time All-State, an MVP of state tournament and Metro Conference MVP.[4] He averaged 22 points and eight assists in his senior season and led O’Dea to two state championships.[4]

College career

Johnson played at Stanford University for the Cardinal from 2005 to 2009.[4] He graduated with a degree in sociology.[5]

Freshman season (2005–06)

Johnson played 30 games during his freshman season, starting in 20 of them. He made his college debut against UC Irvine on November 19, 2005, in which he played 19 minutes as a bench player, and had his first college start on December 31, 2005, against USC where he scored six points in 23 minutes of action. During his freshman season, he recorded a total of 98 assists and 25 steals, which is the second most on the team. Johnson was an All-Freshman Team Honorable Mention pick.[4]

Sophomore season (2006–07)

During Johnson’s sophomore season, he played 31 games and started 20 games. He recorded 103 assists, the second most on the team, while leading the team in steals with 29. On December 19, 2006, Johnson recorded a season—high 10 assists against Fresno State. On February 15, 2007, Johnson recorded 8 rebounds against Oregon State. Johnson scored 12 points against Oregon on February 17. Johnson scored 11 points, four assists and 4 rebounds on March 1 against Arizona State.[4]

Junior season (2007–08)

Johnson played in all 36 of his team’s games while starting in 35 games. On November 10, 2007, Johnson scored 14 points against Northwestern State. He played Northwestern again on November 15, where he scored 11 points, six rebounds and seven assists. On January 3, 2008, he scored 10 points and five field goals against UCLA in 38 minutes of action. Johnson recorded nine rebounds on January 13 against Oregon. On January 26, Johnson scored a career-high 16 points along with five rebounds and seven assists, winning against California. On February 24, Johnson contributed with 11 points, and recorded 14 points along with six assists on February 28 against Washington. Johnson achieved his first college double-double on March 13, with 11 points and 10 rebounds against Arizona. During the PAC—10 tournament against UCLA on March 15, Johnson recorded seven points, seven rebounds and five assists. During the NCAA tournament against Marquette on March 22, Johnson recorded a career—high 16 assists, breaking Stanford’s record for assists in a game. He recorded eight assists against Texas on March 28.[4]

Senior season (2008–09)

Johnson started all 32 games in which he played. On November 14, 2008, Johnson recorded 11 points and six assists, winning against Yale. On December 20, Johnson tied his previous career—high 16 points on 5 of 5 field goal shooting, and 4 of 4 shooting from 3 against Northwestern. On December 23, Johnson scored 14 points against Santa Clara, and he scored 14 points again on December 30 against Hartford. On January 8, 2009, Johnson contributed 10 points against Washington. On February 28, Johnson contributed with 10 points and four assists against USC. He achieved more than 500 career assists on March 5, winning against Arizona State. On March 12, Johnson moved to second place on Stanford’s assist list after recording five assists against Washington.[4]

Professional career

After leaving Stanford, Johnson went undrafted in the 2009 NBA draft.[6] He joined the Tulsa 66ers on November 1, 2009 and played seven games in the NBA G-League [6] before he was waived a month later.[6] He also played briefly for Latvian club VEF Riga in the 2010-11 season, before deciding to pursue coaching.[7]

Coaching career

Early coaching career

Before coaching for the Austin Spurs, Johnson was a coaching intern for Seattle University in 2011,[8] served as a coach for an AAU team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League,[9] and became an assistant coach for the Portland Pilots at the University of Portland.[10] Johnson was an assistant coach for the Pilots during the 2015–2016 season.[11][12]

Austin Spurs (2016–2019)

Johnson started his NBA coaching career as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs in 2016.[13] Johnson won the G League Championship with the Austin Spurs in 2018.[14][15]

San Antonio Spurs (2019–present)

On September 20, 2019, the San Antonio Spurs hired Johnson to be an assistant coach for head coach Gregg Popovich.[13][16] He was promoted by the Spurs to be a full-time assistant coach on November 12, 2020, and he replaced assistant coach Tim Duncan, who stepped down from his position on the Spurs.[8][17][18] On May 15, 2021, Johnson was the interim head coach in a 140–103 loss against the Phoenix Suns as Popovich watched Tim Duncan’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.[19] Johnson was the interim head coach again in a 110–99 win against the Indiana Pacers on March 2, 2023, as Popovich was unable to coach due to an illness.[19] With the arrival of French star Victor Wembanyama in 2023, Johnson was given the duty of warming up the center before each game and they developed a close relationship.[20]

On November 2, 2024, Popovich was sidelined indefinitely from coaching due to a health issue,[21][22] which was eventually revealed to be a stroke, and Johnson became the Spurs interim head coach.[23][24][25] He started coaching the Spurs on November 2 in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, having been informed two and half hours before tip off that Popovich wasn’t available to coach because of illness,[26] and the Spurs won 113–103 against the Timberwolves.[27] This was the third time Johnson served as the interim head coach of the Spurs.[19] Johnson served as the interim head coach until the end of the 2024-25 season due to Popovich sitting out from coaching for the rest of the season.[28]

On May 2, 2025, Johnson was promoted to become the head coach of the Spurs, following Popovich’s decision to step down after 29 seasons.[29][30] As Popovich had only coached 5 games during the 2024–25 season, the NBA announced on July 2 that they would credit the 32–45 record of the remaining 77 games to Johnson.[31][32]

Career playing statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG% Field goal percentage 3P% 3-point field goal percentage FT% Free throw percentage
 RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game
 BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

College

[4]

 
YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2005–06Stanford302022.5.314.283.7742.03.3.8.13.4
2006–07Stanford312023.5.356.321.8212.83.3.9.04.3
2007–08Stanford363531.5.421.388.6444.35.2.8.16.7
2008–09Stanford323229.420.368.6982.54.51.2.16.6
Career12910726.8.388.348.7082.94.1.9.15.3

NBA G League

Regular season

[33]

 
YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2009-10Tulsa708.6.154.000.7500.91.0.1.01.4

Head coaching record

NBA

Legend
Regular seasonGGames coachedWGames wonLGames lostW–L %Win–loss %
PlayoffsPGPlayoff gamesPWPlayoff winsPLPlayoff lossesPW–L %Playoff win–loss %
 
TeamYearGWLW–L%FinishPGPWPLPW–L%Result
San Antonio2024–25773245.4164th in SouthwestMissed playoffs
San Antonio2025–26826220.7651st in SouthwestTBC
Career1599465.591 000 

Personal life

Johnson and his wife, Jessica, have four children, Tasia, Tatum, Johnnie and Jameson.[5

Sean Sweeney

 
Sean Sweeney
San Antonio Spurs
TitleAssociate head coach
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born

June 3, 1984 (age 42)

Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Career information
High schoolCretin-Derham Hall
(Saint Paul, Minnesota)
College
  • Green Bay (2001–2002)
  • St. Thomas (Minnesota) (2002–2006)
NBA draft2006: undrafted
PositionPoint guard
Coaching career2011–present
Career history
Coaching
2011–2013New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets (video coordinator)
2013–2014Brooklyn Nets (assistant)
2014–2018Milwaukee Bucks (assistant)
2018–2021Detroit Pistons (assistant)
2021–2025Dallas Mavericks (assistant)
2025—presentSan Antonio Spurs (associate HC)
Career highlights

As player:

  • 2× All-MIAC (2005, 2006)

Sean Joseph Sweeney (born June 3, 1984)[1] is an American professional basketball coach who currently serves as the associate head coach for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Playing career

Sweeney played for University of Wisconsin–Green Bay for one season before transferring and graduating from University of St. Thomas at Saint Paul.[2]

Coaching career

Sweeney began his NBA coaching career as a video coordinator with the New Jersey Nets (later Brooklyn Nets) from 2011 to 2013 under head coaches Avery Johnson and PJ Carlesimo.[3] He was later the assistant coach for the Nets from 2013 to 2014 and the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2018.[4]

From 2018 to 2021, Sweeney was an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons under head coach Dwane Casey.[5]

In 2021, Sweeney joined the Dallas Mavericks as an assistant coach under head coach Jason Kidd, reuniting the two after they had previously worked together with the Nets and Bucks. With the Mavericks from 2021 to 2025, Sweeney was part of the 2022 Mavs team that went to the 2022 Western Conference Finals during the 2022 NBA playoffs and the 2024 Mavs team that went to the 2024 NBA Finals, losing 4–1 to the Boston Celtics.

On June 22, 2025, it was reported Sweeney would leave the Mavericks to join the San Antonio Spurs under new head coach Mitch Johnson. Sweeney was part of the 2026 Spurs team that improved by 28 games over the previous season and advanced to the 2026 NBA Finals.[6]

On June 1, 2026, Sweeney was hired as the head coach of the Orlando Magic. He is scheduled to join the team upon the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Finals.[7]

References

  1.  “Sean Joseph Sweeney () – Basketball Stats, Height, Age”. FIBA Basketball. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  2.  “Sean Sweeney”. Mavs.com. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  3.  “Sean Sweeney”. NBCA. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  4.  Charania, Shams (May 29, 2026). “Sources: Magic finalizing deal to hire Spurs asst. Sweeney as coach”. ESPN. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  5.  “Spurs hire Mavericks’ Sean Sweeney as associate head coach, ESPN reports”. KSAT. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  6.  “St. Paul’s Sean Sweeney reportedly takes top assistant job with Spurs”. Yahoo. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  7.  “Orlando Magic Name Sean Sweeney Head Coach”. NBA.com. June 1, 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.

 

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‘Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red’ remains under construction as a online presentation.

Website: Michael & The Cricket

Presentation Title: / Ditch Mitch & Burn Big Red

Draft: June 13, 2026  /

Completion Date July 2026 /

Topic: … … the (32-0 ) Ward Smith Coaching dismissal / The Dean Smith effigy burning, as per Mitchell C. Johnson and Sean Sweney

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