Gregg Popovich breaks silence on San Antonio Spurs absence after suffering stroke with return to court unclear
Following a stroke, Gregg Popovich thanked everyone for their “overwhelming” support in a statement, although it is yet unclear when he will be able to return.
After suffering a “mild stroke” at Frost Bank Center on November 2, the San Antonio Spurs head coach has been absent from the field ever since.
Since the event, Popovich, 75, has been in treatment.
“This has definitely been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” he stated in the statement.
“As we collaborate on my recuperation, I would like to take a moment to express how incredibly overwhelming the support system has been throughout this time.
“My family and I will always be grateful, even though I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually.
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“We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”
“No one is more thrilled to see me return to the bench than the talented people who have been leading my rehabilitation process,” he continued in a joking manner.
“They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”
Head coach Pop, who is inducted into the Hall of Fame, missed the first five games of the season, going 2-3.
In Pop’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been the interim head coach and has an 11–10 record.
The Spurs are currently ranked 11th in the NBAWestern Conference standings with an overall record of 13-13.
With 26 seasons under his belt, Popovich is the longest-tenured coach in American professional sports and holds the top spot on the list of all-time wins for a coach.
In addition to winning Coach of the Year three times, he has led the Spurs to the NBA championship five times.
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