Spurs’ Gregg Popovich is grateful for support during his recovery

SAN ANTONIO – Spurs coach Gregg Popovich released a statement Monday thanking the community, the Spurs organization and friends for their outpouring of support after the Hall of Famer suffered what the team called a “mild stroke” on Nov. 2 in the Frost Bank Center. .

“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said in the statement. “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. Although I wish I could back to each and every one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are eternally grateful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.

Popovich, 75, coached San Antonio’s first five games and had a 2-3 record.

When the club initially announced Popovich’s condition, it mentioned that the coach had already started a rehabilitation program and was expected to make a full recovery.

The NBA’s all-time coaching wins leader, Popovich has led San Antonio to five NBA titles in addition to winning a gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as the head coach of USA Basketball.

Popovich is in his 29th season as San Antonio’s coach.

The Spurs named assistant Mitch Johnson the acting head coach in Popovich’s absence for the foreseeable future.

Johnson, 38, has posted an 11-10 record as a head coach this season and the Spurs (13-13) are in 11th place in the Western Conference standings entering Thursday’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

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