Getty Image / Alex Goodlett
San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich is on anyone’s Mount Rushmore of NBA coaches. The five-time NBA champion is an icon.
Unfortunately, Coach Pop suffered a stroke last month, and has been unable to coach while recovering. The Spurs and Gregg Popovich put out a statement on Monday that offers little clarity on a potential return.
Popovich suffered a stroke on November 2. Thankfully, it seems to have been relatively mild, and the 75-year old has always kept himself in good physical condition. But, he hasn’t returned to the team since. That’s understandable, but I’m sure Spurs fans would love to have the coach that oversaw the development of Tim Duncan to be around as much as possible for Victor Wembanyama.
On Monday, Pop and the Spurs released this statement.
Statement from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich: pic.twitter.com/btZX7DHm5L
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 16, 2024
This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.
No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.
That statement seems to take a positive tune when it comes to his rehabilitation. Ultimately, that’s what matters the most. But, that statement does not really give any clarity as to when Gregg Popovich will return.
All things considered, the Spurs are off to a good start. A team that remains one of the league’s youngest groups is 13-13 in the rugged Western Conference. Victor Wembanyama is putting up fantastic numbers on solid shooting percentages, and continues to look like a future all-time great. Rookie Stephon Castle has flashed as well.
Gregg Popovich has been the coach in San Antonio since 1996. He’s the NBA’s all-time wins leader, and he technically gets credit for the wins while he’s absent, so he’s gone over 1400 wins at 1401.
Let’s hope that Coach Pop can get back to the sidelines quickly.