Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke on November 2, the team announced today in a press release (Twitter link).
Popovich, who will turn 76 in January, has started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery, according to the Spurs. A timeline for his return to the team’s bench has yet to be determined.
Word first broke on November 4 that Popovich would be away from the Spurs indefinitely due to a health issue that occurred two days earlier. However, this is the first we’ve heard that health issue described in more specific terms.
Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as the club’s acting head coach in Popovich’s absence, leading San Antonio to a 3-3 record since taking the reins and earning praise from his players for how he has handled the new responsibilities. He figures to remain in that role for the foreseeable future until Popovich is healthy enough to resume his duties.
Popovich is the NBA’s all-time leader in head coaching wins, with a 1,391-824 regular season record (.628). He ranks third in playoff wins at 170, behind Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171).
We at Hoops Rumors send our best wishes to Popovich during his recovery.
Get well soon Pop. We already miss those interviews
I hope Pop comes back in full f*** it mode. Lets see him with a zz top beard rockin his tie dye shirts on the sideline. Lets see him go full Letterman after he left the late show!
Noo! Get well soon legend!
I wish him a full recovery and I hope he comes back to mentor wemby in any capacity he can.
I just want more Tim Duncan / Jokic type of big men in the association tbh
Get well Pop!
Pop’s legend is bigger than basketball, and his health is bigger than that. Wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Pop is like America’s Grandpa, get well soon Legend.
Get well soon Pop. The game is so much better and fun with you in it. Speedy recovery!
This should be his last season coaching. People don’t want to see a guy die on the job, he’s too old. He’s one of the greatest ever but the only thing he has a chance at breaking still is becoming 2nd in playoff wins and that would be a stretch this season.
Get well Pops ….. we all miss you.
Pops has done it all. I just hope he prioritizes his health over work. Go back to front office.
God speed.
Just take a job in the FO if you want to be around the game. Great coach but is it worth the stress to continue coaching? SAS is not a championship level team but the stress of developing Wemby is still big.
A generational talent. Get well soon!