San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich remains sidelined following a mild stroke in November, and sources suggest he is unlikely to return before the season ends. This prolonged absence raises questions about the long-term future of the legendary coach, who turned 76 last month.
Popovich, a fixture in the NBA since the late 1980s, has been out of public view since missing a November 2 game due to his health scare. While he assured fans in December that he planned to return when fully recovered, the uncertainty surrounding his comeback has left the Spurs in a delicate transition phase.
Spurs CEO R.C. Buford previously stated that Popovich has been attacking his rehabilitation with the same determination he brings to coaching. However, no clear recovery timeline has been provided, leaving the team to rely on acting head coach Mitch Johnson for the remainder of the season.
Johnson, a Spurs assistant since 2019, has seamlessly stepped into the interim role and could be a leading candidate for the permanent position if Popovich is unable to resume his duties. Meanwhile, the team, currently at 24-30, remains within reach of a play-in tournament spot, but their postseason hopes took a massive hit with the recent loss of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama due to a season-ending blood clot issue.
As the NBA’s all-time winningest coach with 1,391 victories, Popovich’s legacy is cemented in basketball history. However, the uncertainty of his future leaves the Spurs at a crossroads. Will he make a triumphant return, or is the franchise preparing for a new era without the man who has defined its identity for nearly three decades?
