San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is likely not returning this season. The 76-year-old is recovering from a mild stroke he had back in November, according to reports.
This news comes as the Spurs face a tough season. On February 20, they decided to shut down their star player, Victor Wembanyama, after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Spurs point guard Chris Paul reflected on the team’s challenges, saying, “It’s wild to think of what we’ve gone through this year. But tough times can bring a team closer together.” The Spurs have seen their share of ups and downs lately.
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, has 1,390 regular-season wins and 170 playoff victories, along with five championships. After his stroke on November 2, assistant Mitch Johnson took over as interim coach. Since then, Johnson has guided the Spurs to a record of 21-27.
Having turned 76 in January, Popovich could end his career as the oldest coach in NBA history, surpassing the previous record held by Hubie Brown. Popovich has coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season and has made a lasting impact on the franchise.
Initially, the Spurs hoped Popovich would return, and he even expressed gratitude in a December statement for the support he received during his recovery, joking about his “less than coachable” nature. Throughout his absence, Popovich has stayed connected with Johnson and the players, offering feedback and support.
Johnson shared that Popovich has humorously balanced his praise with criticism, saying, “He’s giving praise and cussing me out all at the same time.” Meanwhile, Spurs CEO RC Buford confirmed that Popovich is hard at work on his rehabilitation, showcasing the same determination he has in coaching.
Popovich’s broader impact reaches beyond the NBA; he also led Team USA to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. General manager Brian Wright emphasized the collective effort in Popovich’s absence, stating, “It’s not one person to fill Pop’s shoes. It’s a village. We’re all working together, and that’s what he would want.”
