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 award-winning coach, 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 two and a half hours before the team’s home game against Minnesota on Nov. 2.
There is no timetable for his return to practice, although the Spurs say doctors expect Popovich to make a full recovery.
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for me and my family,” Popovich said. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the support we have received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.
“While I wish I could get back to each of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We are grateful to our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”
The 75-year-old Popovich 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 Spurs coach.
The stroke occurred on the team’s field, and with paramedics on hand, Popovich was able to begin treatment immediately. He was taken to a nearby hospital.
It has not been revealed what lasting effects of the stroke Popovich is experiencing, and how long his rehabilitation process may take. Longtime Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson served as interim coach in Popovich’s absence.
“Mitch did a great job,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said earlier this month.
In his usual self-deprecating style, Popovich said those helping with his rehabilitation are eager for him to get back to work.
Apparently, he’s not the best patient – or the most patient person.
“Nobody was happier to see me back on the bench than the talented people who were leading the program to rehabilitate me,” said Popovich. “They quickly learned that I can’t coach.”
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) individually.
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 senior vice president of basketball operations and general manager. He fired coach Bob Hill and appointed himself as coach on December 10, 1996.
He has been the manager of Spurs ever since.
“We look forward to the day we can welcome him,” Spurs general manager Brian Wright said last month.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
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