Gregg Popovich’s Health Scare: Spurs Coach Recovering After Medical Incident

Gregg Popovich’s Health Scare: Spurs Coach Recovering After Medical Incident

In the world of sports, few names resonate as powerfully as Gregg Popovich. The legendary coach of the San Antonio Spurs has been a cornerstone of the NBA for decades. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his illustrious career. On Tuesday night, Popovich was taken to a hospital following a medical incident at a restaurant. Thankfully, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, he is now home and doing fine.

At 76 years old, Popovich holds the distinction of being the oldest coach in NBA history. His health has been a topic of concern since he suffered a mild stroke in November, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season. According to TMZ, who first broke the news of the incident, Popovich was placed on a stretcher and taken to the hospital with what officials described as a non-life-threatening injury or illness. Sources indicated that he was alert upon entering the ambulance.

Popovich’s health scare is not his first. On November 2, he suffered a “mild stroke” just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite these challenges, Popovich’s legacy remains untarnished. He is the NBA’s winningest coach, boasting 1,412 regular-season victories and 170 postseason wins, along with five championships. In 2023, he committed to a five-year contract extension with the Spurs, underscoring his dedication to the team.

During Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped up as interim head coach, guiding the Spurs to a 31-45 record. The team faced additional hurdles, with franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Newly acquired guard De’Aaron Fox also missed the final 18 games due to a left pinkie injury requiring surgery.

Before this latest health incident, the Spurs were already grappling with uncertainty about Popovich’s return for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Johnson mentioned that the team has devised an offseason plan to be executed collectively by the staff in Popovich’s absence. “I think I haven’t had time to deal with it yet,” Johnson said after the season finale on April 13. “I understand it’s a fair question and I think I will, hopefully like everybody that’s gone through this, take some time away, catch my breath and spend some time with family.”

Johnson emphasized the organization’s commitment to prioritizing Popovich’s health. “In time, he will do what he needs to do and make decisions. That will go through this organization on very many levels. We really put together that plan as a group. Obviously, my role has changed in nine years. What I’m doing this spring won’t be what I did eight years ago, but the player development has been at the forefront since I’ve been here.”

The Spurs have consistently maintained that the decision to return lies with Popovich. Sources close to him since his stroke have indicated his desire to return to coaching next season. “I trust the organization,” Wembanyama said after the season finale. “I trust Pop to [do] all he can to come back and get his energy back. And I also trust Mitch to grow into that role. I think we are in good hands supporting each other all throughout the organization. I’m ready for anything, and I know the organization will [make] the good decisions.”

Popovich had an emotional meeting with Spurs players on February 27, where he announced he wouldn’t return this season but expressed hope for the future. “I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future,” he stated.

Popovich’s accolades are numerous. He joins Don Nelson and Pat Riley as one of only three coaches to win the NBA Coach of the Year three times. Additionally, he is one of five coaches to have won at least five NBA championships, alongside legends like Phil Jackson, Red Auerbach, John Kundla, and Riley.

• Popovich’s health remains a priority for the Spurs.
• Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken the reins in his absence.
• The team faces challenges with key players sidelined due to health issues.
• Popovich’s legacy as a coaching legend is firmly established.