Legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season after suffering a mild stroke in November.
The 76-year-old will likely miss the remainder of the season and his future is 'uncertain.'
San Antonio Spurs' Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and his future is uncertain as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EekHlDa8NI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2025
The Spurs also announced this week that franchise superstar Victor Wembanyama would likely miss the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
NBA Star Victor Wembanyama Will Miss Remainder Of Season Over Blood Clot
Per ESPN:
Popovich and Wembanyama have been in close contact the past few days, sources told Charania. The coach has been hands-on in communicating and providing guidance in the wake of Wembanyama's diagnosis.
ADVERTISEMENT"It is wild to think of the circumstances and the situations that we've been through as a team this year," Spurs point guard Chris Paul said after Wembanyama's latest medical setback, which is a form of blood clot in his shoulder. "But I think you guys know when situations happen in your family, that, somehow, someway brings you closer."
Popovich is the NBA's winningest coach with 1,390 regular-season victories and another 170 in the postseason to go with five championships. On Nov. 2, he suffered what the team called a "mild stroke" ahead of a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
San Antonio moved assistant Mitch Johnson into the head-coaching role on an interim basis, and he's posted a 21-27 record in leading the young Spurs.
Popovich, who has coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, turned 76 in January and potentially leaves the game as the oldest coach in NBA history. In 2020, he passed the previous record held by Hubie Brown, who was 71 when he coached his final game with the Memphis Grizzlies.
BREAKING: Gregg Popovich is “not expected to return this season, and his future is uncertain” as he recovers from a mild stroke per Shams.
If this is the end, what an incredible career:
🔸All-Time leader in NBA Wins
🔸5x NBA Champion
🔸1x Olympic Gold
🔸3x Coach of the Year… pic.twitter.com/OGUcnjGOYl— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 23, 2025
Spurs HC Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and "his future is uncertain" as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/kObCtd3d6N
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2025
Fox News reports:
"This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me," Popovich said in December. "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."
At the time, Popvich had not ruled out a comeback, saying tongue-in-cheek, "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 coachable."
ADVERTISEMENTThe team said he was expected to make a full recovery. Mitch Johnson has been leading the Spurs in Popovich’s absence.
The news comes after it was recently revealed Victor Wembanyama would miss the remainder of the season with a blood clot in his shoulder.
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