Spurs announce Gregg Popovich suffered mild stroke, expected to make 'full recovery' but no timetable for return

Spurs announce Gregg Popovich suffered mild stroke, expected to make ‘full recovery’ but no timetable for return

Posted by Admin November 13, 2024 NBA

The San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday that head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke at the start of November, leading to his recent indefinite medical absence from the team.

In the statement released by the team, the Spurs said the stroke occurred on Nov. 2 at their home arena, the Frost Bank Center. Now 11 days after the stroke, the team says Popovich has already started a rehabilitation program and “is expected to make a full recovery.” However, there is no timeline for his return, so we don’t know when he might be back this season, or if next season is a more realistic target.

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 14: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on as the Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) — Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke at the beginning of November, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Popovich’s stroke was originally announced as an unspecified medical issue that popped up on Nov. 2, the day the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. Popovich did not coach that game and assistant Mitch Johnson prowled the sideline instead. It was announced on Nov. 4 Johnson would be the interim coach while Popovich was out. In the six games Johnson has coached in Popovich’s absence, the Spurs are 3-3.

Popovich, 75, is in his 29th season with the Spurs, and is the longest-tenured head coach in the league. He leads the NBA in wins with 1,391 career regular-season victories and another 170 postseason wins. He has also coached five Spurs teams to NBA titles.