San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2 but is expected to make a full recovery.
A timeline for his return has not been set, but the legendary head coach has begun the rehabilitation process. A statement released on Wednesday by the Spurs read: “Spurs today announced that Head Coach Gregg Popovich has suffered a mild stroke. The episode occurred on Nov. 2 at the Frost Bank Center.
“Popovich, who has already started a rehabilitation program, is expected to make a full recovery. At this point, a timeline for his return to the sidelines has not been determined. During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family.”
At the time, the Spurs declared that Popovich had suffered a medical episode and assistant coach Mitch Johnson had replaced him on an interim basis. The Spurs ended up beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-103, and are 3-3 since Johnson became acting head coach.
Last week, Johnson provided an update on Popovich’s status and said: “I would say that he’s doing good. We’ve been talking. I’ve had my hands full with this, in trying to stay above water. So, have not talked details and I’m not sure, about anything that I’m no details.”
Star player Victor Wembanyama eased concerned San Antonio fans on Thursday when declaring he was not worried about the head coach after being informed of his condition. “We don’t hear a lot from Pop,” Wembanyama said.
“They keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know. So, I’m not worried about him. I know he’s going to come back soon.”
Popovich is considered one of the all-time greats and is the oldest coach in NBA history. The 75-year-old set the record in 2020 after overtaking Hubie Brown (71) and has remained as head coach to extend his legacy with the Spurs.
The 2024-25 campaign is Popovich’s 29th season in the NBA, all of which have been with the Spurs. His 1,390 victories rank first in the all-time list, and Popovich has also led San Antonio to five NBA championships since first arriving in 1996.
It’s been uncharted territory at the Spurs without Popovich courtside, but Chris Paul has been impressed by Johnson since he took over head coaching duties at short notice. “Mitch has been great, man,” Paul told The Athletic.
“I’ve gotten a chance to know Mitch even before I signed here. He’s doing an amazing job, and it’s crazy that he’s in the role that he’s in now because he’s been so communicative anyway.”
The Spurs had two consecutive road games after Johnson replaced Popovich, which impressed Wembanyama even more. “We haven’t had (much) practice because we’re always on the road,” Wembanyama said. “But he’s doing a great job.”
San Antonio hosts the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night before welcoming the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday in the NBA Cup. The Spurs are 5-6 this season but have been dominant at home.