San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has made a significant announcement regarding his health and future with the team and now, for the first time since suffering a stroke in November, Popovich addressed the team to provide updates on his recovery and to inform them that he will not be returning for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season.
The stroke occurred at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio prior to the Spurs’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 2. Emergency personnel treated Popovich, and the team initially reported that he would be out due to an unspecified illness. Since then, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has served as the interim head coach.
During his address, Popovich shared details about his recovery process and expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the team, staff, and fans. He emphasized the importance of focusing on his health and well-being, stating that he needs more time to fully recover before returning to his coaching duties.
Adjusting in the middle of the season
Popovich’s absence is a significant blow to the Spurs, as he is one of the most respected and successful coaches in NBA history. Under his leadership, the Spurs have won five NBA championships and have consistently been a competitive force in the league.
The team will continue to be led by interim head coach Mitch Johnson for the remainder of the season. Johnson has been with the Spurs organization for several years and has the experience and knowledge to guide the team through this challenging period.
As the Spurs navigate the rest of the season without their legendary coach, the focus will remain on supporting Popovich in his recovery and maintaining the team’s competitive spirit. Fans and players alike are hopeful for Popovich’s full recovery and eventual return to the sidelines.
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