Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is currently sidelined as he recovers from a stroke he suffered in November. For the first time since the incident, Popovich recently spoke to his team and confirmed he would not be back in an emotional reunion.
“Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich addressed the team today for the first time since suffering a stroke to update them on his recovery and to inform them that he’s not returning this season, league sources tell me,” wrote Chris Haynes.
Popovich, 76, has served as the head coach of the Spurs since 1996. As a 5x champion and the winningest coach in NBA history (1,412 career wins), Popovich is widely regarded across the sports world. After he met with the team, Pop released a statement to the media offering closure on his entire ordeal.
“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” wrote Popovich in a statement. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding. I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future.”
Popovich has been a pillar of the organization for decades, guiding various stars to major title runs. His greatest success stories involved the 2000s Spurs teams with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, who won four titles together. The most recent superstar to be put under Pop’s wing is French big man Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023.
Povich developed a bond with Victor from day one and they’ve been working together to develop his skills and maximize his impact on the court. This season, before being sidelined with deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 47.6% shooting.
Before the Spurs could gain any traction this season, however, Popovich suffered a stroke that is keeping him inactive to this day. It was a scary ordeal that happened in front of the team and full recovery is never guaranteed.
Meanwhile, as doubt builds that Gregg will ever coach again in the NBA, assistant Mitch Johnson has been charged with keeping the team afloat amid incredible challenges. This season, at 13th in the West, the season is nearly beyond saving, but the real priority is the future.
With guys like Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs are not set up to be competitive right now, but they have the tools to be a dangerous team in the future and Pop is hoping for one last ride.
If the legend returns to the sidelines, and Victor recovers from his blood clot, it could be all we need to see San Antonio reach another level in the West. If not, you can be sure that Pop will do whatever he can to support the Spurs and put them in a position to succeed when he’s no longer there.
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