San Antonio, Texas – After nearly 35 years with the San Antonio Spurs, coach Gregg Popovich has decided not to return to the sidelines this season. Following a stroke that occurred in November, Popovich has been away from the team working on his recovery. In a statement released by the team, Popovich expressed his gratitude towards interim coach Mitch Johnson and the players for their dedication during a challenging season.
Popovich, who holds the record for the most coaching wins in NBA history, has been in constant communication with Johnson and some team officials but has not been present at games or practices since the stroke. Despite his absence, the team remains supportive and hopeful for his full recovery.
The decision comes shortly after the Spurs revealed that All-Star center Victor Wembanyama would miss the rest of the season due to a medical condition. Wembanyama, who sees Popovich as a significant influence in his basketball career, expressed admiration for the coach’s leadership qualities.
Since the stroke, there have been no detailed updates on Popovich’s health condition, although the team remains optimistic about his eventual return to coaching. Popovich’s contract extension with the Spurs in 2023 tied him to the team until the 2027-28 season, demonstrating their continued faith in his leadership.
Known for his coaching success with the Spurs, including five NBA championships, Popovich is recognized as one of the most accomplished coaches in the league’s history. His impact extends beyond the basketball court, having led USA Basketball to an Olympic gold medal in 2021.
While the specifics of Popovich’s recovery progress remain undisclosed, the Spurs and fans alike eagerly anticipate his possible return to coaching in the future. As a revered figure in the NBA coaching community, Popovich’s health and well-being are of utmost importance to both the team and the league.