Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is still recovering from a stroke, unclear when he can return

On By Littum

It’s still unclear when he will be back on the sidelines, but longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich released a statement thanking fans and the basketball world for their support after he suffered a stroke earlier this year.

Popovich suffered a mild stroke at the team’s arena on Nov. 2 and has been recovering ever since.

“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” he said in a statement Monday afternoon, marking his first comments since his stroke.

“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 of you, let me say right now that my family and I are forever grateful. We are grateful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization and our family and friends.”

The Spurs initially said Popovich was out with an unspecified medical issue, though they confirmed he had a stroke nearly two weeks later. Popovich is expected to make a full recovery.

Assistant coach Mitch Johnson leads the Spurs in his absence. The team currently has a 13-13 record heading into Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Spurs have gone 11-10 without Popovich, though they have lost four of their last six.

Popovich, 75, is now in his 29th season as the Spurs’ head coach, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the league. He leads the NBA with 1,391 career regular season wins and has another 170 postseason wins with five championships under his belt, most recently in 2014.

Neither the Spurs nor Popovich have said when he will be able to return. But by the sounds of it, and knowing his personality, Popovich is more than ready.

“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.”