Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Recovering Well After Recent Health Scare

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs coach Gregg Popovich experienced a health scare on Tuesday night during a visit to a restaurant, leading to a hospital visit. Fortunately, he is now home and in good spirits, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday. At 76, Popovich is the oldest coach in NBA history and had previously suffered a mild stroke in November, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. According to TMZ, Popovich was placed on a stretcher due to what was deemed a non-life-threatening condition. He remained conscious when he entered the ambulance.

Earlier on November 2, Popovich experienced what the team termed a “mild stroke” prior to a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A Hall of Famer, Popovich, who has been at the helm of the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, holds the title for most regular-season wins in NBA history with 1,412 victories, alongside 170 postseason wins and five championships. In 2023, he committed to a five-year contract extension with the Spurs.

During Popovich’s absence, Assistant Coach Mitch Johnson stepped in as interim head coach, achieving a 31-45 record. The team faced additional challenges when franchise star Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder after the NBA All-Star break, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Newly acquired guard De’Aaron Fox was also absent for the last 18 games due to surgery on his left pinkie.

Before Popovich’s recent health issue, questions loomed about his return for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Johnson stated that the team has already devised an offseason strategy to be carried out by the staff in Popovich’s absence, beginning this spring. “I think I haven’t had time to deal with it yet,” Johnson reflected following the season’s conclusion on April 13. “It’s a fair question, and like everyone who’s gone through this, I’ll take some time to recharge and spend moments with family.”

“The organization is prioritizing Pop’s health above all,” Johnson continued. “In due course, Pop will make necessary decisions with support from the team. Our offseason plans have always been a collective effort. Over the years, my role has evolved, but player development continues to be the main focus since I’ve been here.”

The Spurs have consistently stated that the choice to return for a 30th season in San Antonio will rest with Popovich. Those in conversation with him post-stroke reveal his desire to rejoin the bench as head coach for next season.

“I trust the organization,” Wembanyama commented after the season ended. “I have faith that Pop will recover and reenergize. I also believe in Mitch’s ability to grow into his role. The entire organization is supportive, and I am ready for any outcome knowing they’ll make the best decisions.”

Popovich had an emotional discussion with the Spurs squad on February 27 and officially announced he would not be returning this season, but expressed hope for future coaching. “My attention remains on my health with the aim of returning to coaching,” read his statement.

Popovich joins the ranks of Don Nelson and Pat Riley as one of three coaches honored three times as NBA Coach of the Year. He also stands among an elite group of five coaches, alongside legends like Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach, to have secured at least five NBA championships.