Spurs: Popovich recovering from mild stroke

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Legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, 75, suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2 at the Frost Bank Center, the team announced Wednesday.
Popovich, per the team, has already started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery. A timeline for his return is unknown, team officials said.
“During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family,” the Spurs said in a release.

The Spurs play at home Wednesday against Washington, and that will be the seventh straight game where Johnson will be filling in for Popovich. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been the acting coach in Popovich’s absence. Popovich has missed six games and Spurs have gone 3-3 without him.
Stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half a million Americans have a stroke every year.
The Spurs coach suffered an undisclosed medical episode on Nov. 2 about 2 1/2 hours prior to the Spurs’ 113-103 home win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
When asked if there was any clarity about Popovich returning this season, Johnson could not provide an answer.
“I would say that … he’s doing good,” Johnson said on Nov. 7. “We’ve been talking. I’ve had my hands full with this, in trying to stay above water. So, have not talked details and I’m not sure, about anything … that I’m … no details.”
Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA coach of the year award three times, Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He’s one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (9), John Kundla (5) and Riley (5) are the others.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said the players have not had much contact with Popovich, but they expect him to return soon.
“We don’t hear a lot from Pop,” Wembanyama said after the Spurs’ 118-105 win over the Blazers on Nov. 7. “They keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know. So, I’m not worried about him. I know he’s going to come back soon.”
Popovich has been part of the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988 through 1992, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. He decided to fire coach Bob Hill and appoint himself coach on Dec. 10, 1996.
He’s been the Spurs’ sideline boss ever since.
Popovich’s 29-year run with the Spurs is a span the likes of which has been nearly unmatched in U.S. major pro sports history.
Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, George Halas coached the Chicago Bears for 40 years and John McGraw managed the New York Giants for 31 years. Those three tenures — which all wrapped up well over a half-century ago — are the only ones exceeding Popovich’s run with the Spurs.
His 29-year era in San Antonio matches the tenures that Dallas Cowboys’ Tom Landry and the Green Bay Packers’ Curly Lambeau had in those jobs.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.