Gregg Popovich May Not Return to Spurs This Season
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg popovich is not expected to coach the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season as he continues to recover from a mild stroke suffered in November.
This news, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, underscores a challenging period for the Spurs, who are also dealing with the season-ending absence of franchise cornerstone victor Wembanyama due to a blood clot in his shoulder.
Popovich, 76 and in his 29th season as head coach, is the NBA’s all-time wins leader among coaches, a five-time NBA champion, a three-time NBA Coach of the year, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. He has been unable to provide updates on his condition sence December, with Spurs CEO R.C. Buford saying last month that Popovich was “attacking” his rehabilitation.
in Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over as interim head coach and has received praise for his work.
The Spurs, currently 24-30, have little to play for in the remainder of the season.
Popovich and Wembanyama have remained in contact throughout the winger’s recovery and Popovich’s health challenges. The future of the Spurs and their franchise cornerstone seem uncertain as both players grapple with unexpected obstacles.
How will Victor Wembanyama’s injury impact teh Spurs’ long-term plans?
Spurs Fans Ask: What’s Next?
Gregg Popovich’s health and Victor Wembanyama’s injury have thrown the San Antonio Spurs into uncharted waters. Here are some answers to your burning questions:
- Q: Will Coach pop be back on the sidelines this season?
A: Its unlikely. ESPN reports he’s focusing on recovering from a mild stroke suffered in November. - Q: Who’s coaching the Spurs meanwhile?
A: assistant coach Mitch Johnson is stepping up as interim head coach. - Q: How is Victor Wembanyama doing?
A: He’s still recovering from a season-ending blood clot in his shoulder, adding to the team’s challenges. - Q: What’s the Spurs’ outlook for the rest of the season?
A: With both key players sidelined, the spurs are focusing on development and preparing for the future. - Q: How long have the Spurs been coached by Pop?
A: A remarkable 29 years! This makes him the longest-tenured head coach in the NBA.
The Spurs are facing arduous times, but the resilience and strong leadership of both Coach Pop and victor Wembanyama offer hope for a brighter future.
