Gregg Popovich, the famed head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has not paced the sidelines since having a small stroke earlier this season in November. In his absence, the Spurs have improved from their 22-win season last year, but it is evident that a large part of the team’s soul is gone.
Popovich and his crew have been relatively silent on the subject for the last four months, despite public comments indicating that he is making a significant recovery, though the most recent update hinted that he is far from ready to take over the club again. On Thursday, Popovich released an official statement. “I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” Popovich said in a team statement. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done an excellent job, and the players’ determination and professionalism in sticking together during a difficult season has been exceptional. I will continue to focus on my health in the hopes of returning to coaching in the future.
Popovich is 76 years old and has nothing more to prove. Popovich is unquestionably the best coach of all time, with five championships, three Coach of the Year awards, and more wins than anybody else (all with the same team, no less).
However, his statement suggests that his ultimate ambition is to return to the sidelines. Popovich has only stayed for the past several seasons because he enjoys the game. Nonetheless, he has coached at a high level, and supporters have kept him in their thoughts as he continues his lengthy recuperation.
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