San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has spoken out about his plans to return to coaching after experiencing a mild stroke earlier this month. In a statement released on Monday, Popovich expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from fans, the Spurs organization, and his loved ones during his recovery.
Popovich, who is the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching wins, suffered the stroke about two and a half hours before the Spurs were set to play against Minnesota on November 2. Fortunately, he was at the team’s arena where medical personnel were able to provide immediate care. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
While the Spurs have indicated that doctors expect him to make a full recovery, there is currently no timeline for when he will return to coaching duties. Popovich reflected on the past weeks, saying, “This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me.” He added that the support they’ve received has been deeply appreciated.
As head coach for nearly three decades, the 75-year-old Popovich has led the Spurs to five championship titles and guided the U.S. team to a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. His impressive tenure began back in 1994, and he has remained a key figure in the franchise ever since.
In Popovich’s absence, longtime assistant Mitch Johnson has taken over as acting coach. He has received praise for his leadership during this time. Popovich joked about the eagerness of those working with him during his rehabilitation, noting that they are just as excited for his return as he is, even teasing that he may not be the easiest patient.
“We look forward to the day that we can welcome him back,” said Spurs general manager Brian Wright, underscoring the team’s hope for Popovich’s swift return to the sidelines.
