The head coach and president of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich, recently released his first public statement since being hospitalized in November after suffering a stroke at the age of 75. Coach Pop indicated that he may soon be returning to the bench to guide his team back into the winning column.
Coach Pop was admitted to the hospital on November 2nd after suffering a “mild” stroke at the Spurs’ Frost Bank Center arena. Since his absence, the Spurs have named assistant coach Mitch Johnson as the acting head coach until Popovich’s return. Both fans and players have felt Gregg Popovich’s absence.
This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends. No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.
the official statement on behalf of Gregg Popovich read
Statement from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who suffered a stroke on Nov. 2: pic.twitter.com/VPyXDvaSC5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2024
Gregg Popovich is the cornerstone of the Spurs organization and has led them to the promised land of the NBA championship title five times during his 29-year tenure with the franchise. Not only that, but Coach Pop is also the NBA’s all-time coaching leader in wins, having amassed a remarkable 1,388 career victories during that time.
Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul’s reaction to Popovich’s health
Even the key players on the roster, Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul, feel the hole left by Pop’s absence. Chris Paul signed with the Spurs team over the summer and has only been with the organization for little over a month. Although they have taken up the responsibility in his absence to lead the team on the court, they sure miss their beloved coach.
He makes sure we understand how privileged we are to play this game and to be in the NBA, but he’d be the first person to tell you not to worry about him and to go out and hoop. But of course, all the guys with our team, staff, everyone definitely miss him because he’s Pop. So, there’s a feeling when he’s in the room that just comforts everybody.
Chris Paul on Gregg Popovich
In his second season with the Spurs, sensational rookie, Victor Wembanyama also voiced his optimism on Coach Pop’s return. Stating how much the whole organization misses Popovich, Wemby said:
We know he’s going to come back. We know he’s going to come back earlier than he probably should, but that’s Pop.
Victor Wembanyama
Despite not having their legendary coach by their side, the Spurs are currently sitting at 11th place in the Western Conference with a 13-13 record. They have lost 5 of their last 10 games.
Next, they will go up against the Atlanta Hawks on their home turf at Frost Bank Center on this upcoming Thursday. Once again, without their favorite coach.
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