Gregg Popovich to Miss Remainder of NBA Season Due to Health Recovery
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will not return to the bench this season as he continues to recover from a mild stroke suffered in November, according to multiple reports. The 76-year-old Hall of Famer informed his team of his decision on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and his long-term future with the organization remains uncertain.
Popovich suffered the stroke on November 2, 2024, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was treated by emergency personnel, and the team initially described his absence as due to an unspecified illness. Nearly two weeks later, the Spurs confirmed that Popovich had experienced a mild stroke and had begun a rehabilitation program, with expectations of a full recovery.
In a statement, Popovich expressed gratitude for the support he has received and praised interim head coach Mitch Johnson and the Spurs players for their professionalism during a challenging season. “I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future,” Popovich said. Johnson, who took over as interim coach, has led the team to a 21-27 record in Popovich’s absence.
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach with 1,412 regular-season victories and five championships, has been with the Spurs since 1996. He also serves as the team’s president of basketball operations. Despite his absence, he has remained involved, mentoring Johnson and providing input on game plans. Spurs CEO RC Buford noted that Popovich has been “attacking his rehab” with the same resilience he has shown throughout his coaching career.
The news of Popovich’s extended absence comes amid a difficult season for the Spurs, who are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 24-33 record. The team also recently announced that star rookie Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, further compounding their challenges.
Popovich’s future with the Spurs remains unclear, but his impact on the franchise and the NBA is undeniable. As he focuses on his recovery, the basketball world awaits further updates on whether the legendary coach will return to the sidelines.
Spurs' Gregg Popovich tells team he won't return this season after suffering stroke in November
The Hall of Famer has not coached since early November
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Gregg Popovich not expected to return to Spurs this season, future ‘uncertain’ as he recovers from stroke
It looks like Gregg Popovich will not return to coach the Spurs this season.
nypost.com
Sources: Popovich not expected back this season
Spurs Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and his NBA future is uncertain as he recovers from a stroke suffered i
www.espn.comGregg Popovich reportedly not expected to return to Spurs this season, future uncertain after suffering stroke
It's been a tough week for the Spurs.
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Gregg Popovich Not Expected To Resume Coaching This Season
The Spurs' head coach has been out of action since suffering a mild stroke in early November.
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