League sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that San Antonio Spurs Hall of Fame coach Greg Popovich is not expected to return to the bench this season, and his long-term identity is still unclear.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich
On November 2, Popovich suffered what the Spurs called “mild stroke” before his matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. San Antonio moved 38-year-old assistant Mitch Johnson to the head coach. Johnson coached a young San Antonio team with a record of 21-27.
Popovich is the NBA’s most winning coach, winning five titles in the playoffs with a 1,390 regular season victory. The Indiana native is also the head coach of the three-time NBA coach of the year (2003, 2012, 2014) and four-time NBA All-Star Game (2005, 2011, 2013, 2016).
League sources told ESPN that San Antonio Spurs Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return and his future is uncertain as he recovers from a mild stroke in November. pic.twitter.com/eekhlda8ni
– Shams Charania (@shamscharania) February 23, 2025
He was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder just days after the Spurs announced plans to close franchise superstar Victor Wembanyama on Thursday. The disease is a form of blood clots that are usually treated with blood thinners.
Sources told Charania that Popovich and Wembanyama have been in close contact for the past few days. ESPN’s Michael C. Wright said the coach has been communicating and “providing guidance after the Vermambaya diagnosis.”
“Think about how we’re as a team this year is crazy,” said Spras point guard Chris Paul. “But I think you know when something happens in your family.” , to some extent, it will bring you closer.”
Gregg Popovich is the oldest coach in NBA history
Popovich, who has coached with the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, turned 76 in January and is the oldest coach in NBA history. In 2020, he passed the previous record of Hubie Brown, who coached his final game with the Memphis Grizzlies at the age of 71.
The Spurs expect Popovich to promote Johnson to head coach sometime this season. Popovich issued a statement in December thanking the community, the Spurs organization and friends for their support.
“No one is more excited to return to the bench than the talented people who led my recovery process,” Popvich said in a statement. “They quickly learned that I couldn’t coach.”
In July 2023, Popovich agreed to sign a new five-year contract with the team, worth more than $80 million. Popovich, whose average annual salary is $17 million, is the second highest paid NBA coach after Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr ($17.5 million).
Spurs’ legendary coach stays in touch with Johnson
Popovich also serves as president of the team, who has been in touch with Johnson and Spurs players throughout his absence and has been providing support and input on the game plan. Johnson revealed in January that Popovich “at the same time he praised and shouted at me.”
“It’s not a person filling in the popular shoes at this moment. It’s a village,” said Brian Wright, general manager, 11 days after Popovich’s stroke. “We’re all in one. We’re all playing our role in that part and we’re going to continue to do that. That’s what he wants.”
Spurs CEO RC Buford, Popovich’s closest friend, architect of most team champions, said in January that the coach was “attacking his recovery.”
“He showed the same resilience he’s shown in our career as a coach and he’s back in recovery in a very unique way,” Buford said. “His relationship with former players and the care he’s shared with him.” It’s amazing, his progress continues.”
2024-25 The NBA season is Popovich’s 29th season coaching the Spurs.
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