Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expresses desire to return to bench in first comments since stroke

On By Littum

Gregg Popovich

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich continues to rehabilitate after suffering a mild stroke on Nov. 2.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich intends to return to coaching, he said Monday in his first public comments since suffering a stroke in early November.

Popovich, the NBA’s career coaching wins leader, released a statement through the Spurs expressing gratitude for the support he has received in recent weeks. He had what the Spurs said was a mild stroke about 2 1/2 hours before the team’s Nov. 2 home game against Minnesota.

There is no timetable for his return to coaching, although the Spurs have said doctors expect Popovich to make a full recovery.

“This has definitely been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to say that the outpouring of support we have received during this time has truly been overwhelming in the best possible way.

“While I wish I could get back to each and every one of you, for now let me say that my family and I are eternally grateful. We are grateful to our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization and our family and friends .”

Popovich, 75, has led the Spurs to five championships and guided the United States to a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He is in his 29th season as coach of the Spurs.

The stroke happened in the team’s arena, and when emergency workers were there, Popovich was able to begin receiving treatment almost immediately. He was transported to a nearby hospital.

It has not been revealed what long-term effects of the stroke Popovich is dealing with and how much longer his rehabilitation process may take. Longtime Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as acting coach in Popovich’s absence.

“Mitch has done an incredible job,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said earlier this month.

In his typical self-deprecating style, Popovich said those helping with his rehabilitation are eager for him to return to work.

He is obviously not the best patient – or a patient person.

“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have led my rehabilitation process,” Popovich said. “They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”

Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA Coach of the Year award three times, with Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He is one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (nine), John Kundla (five) and Riley (five) are the others.

Popovich has been a part of the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988-92, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994 as its executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager. He fired coach Bob Hill and named himself coach on December 10, 1996.

He has been Spurs’ touchline boss ever since.

“We look forward to the day when we can welcome him back,” Spurs general manager Brian Wright said last month.