Spurs veteran coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke, expected to make a full recovery

San Antonio Spurs long time head coach Gregg Popovich suffers a mild stroke but is expected to recover fully.

Spurs veteran coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke, expected to make a full recovery

San Antonio Spurs HC Gregg Popovich

Old age will come with certain health complications for everyone. It was not the best of news for the San Antonio Spurs fans. Reports emerged that head coach Gregg Popovich had suffered a mild stroke on November 2. Although the 78-year-old is expected to make a full recovery, there’s no set timeline for his return to the bench.

News of Popovich’s health issue surfaced on November 5. ESPN’s Shams Charania had reported on the matter. He stated that the coach experienced a “serious health issue” that raised significant concerns within the organization. Gregg Popovich, now 75, has been with the Spurs for nearly three decades, having assumed the head coach position in 1996 and has remained a fixture in that role ever since.

YouTube video

Popovich is celebrated as one of the NBA’s greatest coaches, as he led the Spurs to five championships. He has amassed 1,393 regular season wins, which is the most in league history. Furthermore, in July 2023, he reaffirmed his dedication to the team when he signed a new five-year contract. It was a decision that was likely influenced by the chance to coach rising star Victor Wembanyama.

FS Video

While the Spurs finished with a challenging 22-60 record last season, Wembanyama’s arrival has brought new hope for the franchise. Despite Popovich’s absence, the Spurs have started the 2024-25 season with a 5-6 record, winning two out of five games since his health scare.

RELATED
Draymond Green reveals how LeBron James stopped him from leaving the Warriors
Draymond Green and LeBron James

Victor Wembanyama awaits coach Gregg Popovich’s return as recovery progresses

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama had shared optimism about head coach Gregg Popovich’s return following a health issue that has kept the longtime coach temporarily sidelined. Popovich had experienced a medical episode last Saturday before the Spurs’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He was reported to be “not feeling well.” At the time, specifics about his condition remained undisclosed. Star player Victor Wembanyama recently revealed what went behind the scene regarding the coach’s health.

We don’t hear a lot from Pop. 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.

Victor Wembanyama told the reporters

Mitch Johnson, who has stepped in as San Antonio’s acting head coach, offered a brief update. He noted that Popovich was “doing good” but couldn’t confirm if or when he might return this season. Popovich, is the oldest coach in NBA history, as he surpassed the previous age record set by Hubie Brown, who coached his final game at 71.

RELATED
“He knew he f***ked up! – Heat HC Erik Spoelstra’s OT timeout bizarrely costing them NBA Cup match against Pistons has fans losing it
Erik Spoelstra

The San Antonio Spurs host the Washington Wizards and are on a poor run of form in their last five matches. They defied the odds to win against the Sacramento Kings, 116-96 in their last game. However, they need to bring their A game to put on a winning run.