On that day, February 27, the San Antonio Spurs’ legendary head coach Gregg Popovich called a meeting with his players that was poignant and powerful. At the same time, he was breaking the news that he wouldn’t be returning to his team for the remainder of the NBA season. The decision comes after Popovich experienced a medical incident at a restaurant, prompting a brief hospitalization. Fortunately, he is now back in his home and said to be doing well.
Popovich, who celebrated his 76th birthday in January, has been the head coach of the Spurs since the start of the 1996-97 season. At 75 years old, he is the oldest coach in NBA history. Added to that, he has the most regular-season wins ever in the league’s history, with a staggering 1,412 victories. As the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Popovich has won five NBA championships. He has 170 playoff wins, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time best coaches.
On November 2, 2022, Popovich had a minor stroke just prior to a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a consequence, he sat out the remainder of the season. His determination to put health first has only deepened after that experience. In his statement released today, he left the door open for a possible return to coaching someday. He expressed in part, “I will keep working on my health with the hope that I can get back to coaching one day.”
In 2023, Popovich inked a five-year contract extension with the Spurs. This appointment further cements his indelible impact and stewardship of leadership within the organization. His decision to take a leave of absence from coaching this season is a testament to that commitment and care.
Despite his absence on the court, Popovich’s impact on the team and the sport remains undeniable. The Spurs have rallied around their coach during this challenging time, emphasizing their support for his health and future aspirations.
As fans and players alike await his recovery journey, Popovich’s storied career and contributions to basketball continue to be celebrated across the league. While he forever changed the game of coaching, his legacy is even more profound. His calming presence can still be felt across the Spurs franchise and the entire NBA.
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