Gregg Popovich’s Uncertain Future: A Season of Challenges for the San Antonio Spurs
In a season filled with unexpected twists and turns, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves navigating uncharted waters. The latest development in this saga is the news that Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season. The 76-year-old coach is recovering from a mild stroke he suffered in November, and his future remains uncertain, according to league sources who spoke with ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This revelation brings a sense of closure to what has been a challenging season for the Spurs. Just days before, on February 20, the team announced plans to shut down their franchise superstar, Victor Wembanyama, after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. It’s been a season of trials for the Spurs, and the absence of Popovich only adds to the adversity.
Reflecting on the season’s challenges, Spurs point guard Chris Paul shared his thoughts: “It is wild to think of the circumstances and the situations that we’ve been through as a team this year. But I think you guys know when situations happen in your family, that, somehow, someway brings you closer.”
Popovich, the NBA’s winningest head coach with 1,390 regular-season victories and another 170 in the postseason, suffered the stroke on November 2, just before a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped into the head coaching role on an interim basis. Under Johnson’s leadership, the young Spurs have posted a record of 21-27.
At 76, Popovich potentially leaves the game as the oldest coach in NBA history, surpassing the previous record held by Hubie Brown, who was 71 when he coached his final game with the Memphis Grizzlies. Popovich has been at the helm of the Spurs since the 1996-97 season and holds the record for the most career wins as a head coach in NBA history.
Initially, when the club named Johnson as acting head coach, there were plans for Popovich to eventually return. In December, Popovich released a statement expressing gratitude for the support he received from the community, the Spurs organization, and friends. “No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process,” Popovich joked. “They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”
Despite his absence, Popovich, who also serves as the team’s president, has remained actively involved. He has been in contact with Johnson and Spurs players, offering support and insights on game strategies. Johnson mentioned in January that Popovich is “giving praise and cussing me out all at the same time.”
Spurs CEO RC Buford, Popovich’s closest confidant and the architect of many of the franchise’s title teams, shared in January that the coach was “attacking his rehab.” Buford added, “The same resilience he’s shown over the course of our career as a coach, he’s approaching his return in his rehab in an incredibly unique way. The relationships he’s had with former players and the care they’re sharing with him is amazing, and his improvement continues.”
Popovich’s impact extends beyond the NBA. He also shined on the international stage, coaching USA Basketball to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His influence is felt far and wide, and his absence is deeply felt by the Spurs organization.
General manager Brian Wright emphasized the collective effort required in Popovich’s absence, saying, “It’s not one person to fill Pop’s shoes in this moment. It’s a village. We’ve all bonded together. We’re all playing our roles in that part, and we’ll continue to do that. It’s what he would want.”
- Gregg Popovich: NBA’s winningest head coach with 1,390 regular-season victories.
- Victor Wembanyama: Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
- Mitch Johnson: Interim head coach with a 21-27 record.
- Popovich’s age: 76, potentially the oldest coach in NBA history.
- Popovich’s international success: Coached USA Basketball to a gold medal in 2021.
Originally Written by: ESPN
