Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs’ five-time NBA champion head coach, is unlikely to return to the bench after having a small stroke earlier this season, ESPN reports. Furthermore, NBA Insider Shams Charania described Popovich’s future as ‘uncertain.’
The 76-year-old went on leave in November, just before Spurs confirmed he had suffered a slight stroke.
He was succeeded by assistant Mitch Johnson, who has 22-27 as interim head coach.
Overall, the Spurs are 24-30 and are unlikely to challenge for a postseason spot after losing franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama to a deep vein thrombosis in the right shoulder. Wembanyama will now take blood thinners, which will keep the 7-foot-3 French sensation from competing for the rest of the season.
Spurs spokesmen did not immediately react to DailyMail.com’s request for information on Popovich.
Coach Pop, as he is known, broke his silence in December after being absent from the team for several weeks.
‘This has been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,’ Popovich said in a statement released by the Spurs.
‘As we work together on my rehabilitation, I’d like to take a moment to express how grateful we are for the outpouring of support we’ve gotten during this time. While I wish I could respond to each of you individually, please know that my family and I am forever thankful. We are grateful for our amazing community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.
The good news is that Popovich’s acerbic, self-deprecating sense of humor has not suffered as a result of his stroke.
“The talented individuals who have led my rehabilitation process are thrilled to see me return to the bench,” he said. ‘They rapidly realized that I am not very coachable.
Popovich, a widower and father of two, lost his wife Erin in 2018, but he remains in control in San Antonio, where he has become an idol. Popovich is a five-time champion who helped the Spurs become one of the NBA’s most dominant teams during the post-Jordan era.
ESPN’s claim comes at a tough moment for the Spurs, since Wembanyama has been declared out for the season due to a vein thrombosis.
The problem arises when blood clots in the body’s deeper veins. It can be quite dangerous since the clots might loosen and end up in the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.
The former No. 1 overall pick’s injury comes only days after he made his first All-Star appearance. In 2023-24, the 21-year-old Frenchman was named NBA Rookie of the Year and All-Defensive First Team after leading the league in blocked shots.
Wembanyama’s ailment was detected this week after he returned from the All-Star Game, according to the Spurs. It is nearly generally treated with blood thinners, which usually prevents a player from engaging in contact sports like basketball.
Athletes who participate in contact sports are often advised to avoid using such medications due to the increased risk of bleeding.
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