San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has been absent from the team following a mild stroke he experienced earlier this month, the Spurs announced on Wednesday.
Popovich, who is in his 29th season as the Spurs’ coach, suffered the stroke on November 2 at the team’s arena. Fortunately, he is expected to make a full recovery, although the team has not provided a timeline for his return to coaching duties.
The 75-year-old Popovich is renowned as the NBA’s all-time victory leader, having led the Spurs to five championships and taken the USA Basketball team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He has already begun a rehabilitation program, according to the Spurs.
While Popovich focuses on recovery, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has stepped in as acting head coach. Johnson will lead the team for a total of seven consecutive games, starting with a matchup at home against Washington on Wednesday.
Spurs rookie Stephon Castle expressed confidence in Johnson’s abilities on November 8, stating, “Mitch has been great. He’s always had a voice in our huddles and locker room, even when Pop was here. Our philosophies haven’t changed.”
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is either blocked or a blood vessel bursts, depriving the brain of necessary oxygen. This can lead to brain damage, making it difficult for individuals to think, speak, and move, with severe cases potentially resulting in death. Strokes can also cause memory loss, paralysis, and other complications.
At this point, it remains unclear if Popovich is experiencing any lingering effects from the stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, with over half a million Americans affected by strokes each year.
The medical episode took place hours before the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on November 2. After Popovich reported feeling unwell, Johnson stepped in and successfully led the team to victory that night. The day after the incident, Johnson spoke with Popovich, who was said to be in good spirits.
“Right now, his health is the No. 1 priority,” Johnson noted on November 4. “He’s in good spirits. He’ll be OK. He is OK. And we can’t wait to have him back.”
Popovich’s accolades include being one of only three coaches to win the NBA Coach of the Year award three times, alongside Don Nelson and Pat Riley. He is also one of five coaches in history to have won at least five NBA titles, joining Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (9), John Kundla (5), and Riley (5).
His tenure with the Spurs spans nearly 35 years, beginning as an assistant coach from 1988 to 1992, and returning as executive vice president and general manager in 1994. Popovich took over as head coach on December 10, 1996, after dismissing coach Bob Hill, and has maintained that role ever since.
This remarkable 29-year era with the Spurs is among the longest in the history of major professional sports in the U.S. Only three individuals have exceeded this duration: Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics for 50 years, George Halas coached the Chicago Bears for 40 years, and John McGraw led the New York Giants for 31 years — all of whom served long before the present day.
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