San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will not return to the bench for the remainder of the season as he continues to recover from a stroke he suffered in November.
The 75-year-old coach’s long-term future remains uncertain, as there is no guarantee he will be able to resume his duties.
Popovich’s health concerns began on November 2, just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Two days later, it was announced that he would be stepping away indefinitely due to medical issues. Since then, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over the team on an interim basis.
A legendary career in question
Popovich is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He has been the face of the Spurs since taking over in the 1996-97 season, transforming the franchise into a powerhouse and leading them to five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014).
His legacy is closely tied to Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan, David Robinson,Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Kawhi Leonard. His impact on the game has been undeniable, with his coaching philosophy influencing generations of players and coaches alike.
Before stepping away, Popovich was tasked with developing one of the league’s most promising young stars, French phenom Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old rookie has shown flashes of brilliance but is currently sidelined due to a thrombosis in his right shoulder.
With Popovich out for the season, questions loom about his future and whether he will return to lead the Spurs again. For now, the franchise faces an uncertain road ahead without the legendary coach on the sidelines.
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