SAN ANTONIO – Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is on the road to recovery following a mild stroke he suffered on November 2. The team had initially referred to his absence as an undisclosed medical issue, but they have now provided a clear update on his condition.
Popovich has not been on the sidelines for the past seven games, including the recent victory against the Washington Wizards. According to the Spurs, he is currently engaged in a rehabilitation program and is expected to return to full health. While there is no set timeline for his return, general manager Brian Wright expressed optimism about Popovich’s well-being, stating, “He is doing well.”
Wright emphasized the importance of solidarity among the team during this challenging time, saying, “It is on all of us to play our part, to play our role, to continue to lean on each other, support each other, and be there for one another. And we look forward to the day that we can welcome him back.” He also reassured fans that the team is committed to providing Popovich with the necessary support and time for his recovery.
Popovich holds the record as the NBA’s winningest head coach, with a remarkable 1,390 victories and 170 postseason wins, alongside five NBA championship titles. Now in his 29th season with the Spurs, he has made a significant impact on the franchise and the league as a whole. At 75 years old, he is the oldest coach in NBA history.
In his absence, Mitch Johnson, who is 37 years old, has stepped in as the acting head coach and will continue in that role for the time being. Wright acknowledged that while Popovich’s shoes are hard to fill, the team is united in their efforts and focus. “It’s not one person’s job to fill Pop’s shoes in this moment,” he said. “It’s a village. We’re all bonded together.”
This is a time of hope and support for Spurs fans and the organization. With the collective backing of the team, the hope is to see Popovich return to the bench, bringing his invaluable experience and leadership back to the court.