Popovich’s Unwavering Commitment to the Spurs
Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, at 75 years old, is the oldest head coach in the NBA and among the four major American professional men’s sports leagues. Despite his age, there was little doubt Popovich would return for his 29th season with San Antonio. Last season, though it was not laden with many wins, saw the emergence of Victor Wembanyama, the phenom who has been a beacon of hope for the franchise. The presence of promising rookie Stephon Castle and the seasoned leadership of Chris Paul added to the optimism. The 2024-25 season was supposed to be one of significant progress under Popovich’s experienced guidance. However, the season took an unexpected turn when Popovich suffered a mild stroke on November 2, 2024.
The Health Issue and Initial Steps
Popovich’s health took a sudden turn when he suffered a mild stroke on November 2. The Spurs’ official announcement stated that he "has already started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery." Interim coach Mitch Johnson spoke to the media on November 4, conveying Popovich’s good spirits and the team’s anticipation of his return. "He’ll be okay, and we can’t wait to have him back," Johnson said, adding that he had been in touch with Popovich. This positive outlook was echoed by Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama, who shared that while the team does not receive frequent updates, he remains confident in Popovich’s recovery. "We don’t hear a lot from Pop. They keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know. So, I’m not worried about him. I know he’s going to come back soon," Wembanyama stated after a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on November 6.
The Impact of Popovich’s Absence
The void left by Popovich’s absence is palpable within the Spurs organization. General Manager Brian Wright discussed the situation on November 13, emphasizing the immeasurable impact Popovich has on the team. "When we walk into the building each and every day, we feel his leadership, we feel that presence. And so not having him, there’s clearly a void. And we miss him. I don’t know that there’s another person that means so much to another organization, sports or non-sports. And he’s more than a coach," Wright said. The emotional and motivational gap is significant, given Popovich’s long-standing role and the trust he has built over the years. Coach Brian Keefe, who worked under Popovich from 2005-07, shared his own insights, highlighting Popovich’s caring nature and sense of humor. "People don’t realize how much of a sense of humor he has. This is a guy who’s a really caring human being and he would look out for all of us. I was just a young guy in the video room, and he would look out for me," Keefe remarked.
Popovich’s Ongoing Recovery
Despite the optimistic tones from the team, Popovich’s recovery has been a slow and cautious process. On December 16, Popovich released a statement through the organization, maintaining his characteristic humor. "No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable," he wrote. CEO R.C. Buford provided a more recent update on January 22, noting Popovich’s resilient approach to his rehab. "All I can share is he’s attacking his rehab in a way that … you know Pop, you’ve observed him for years. The same resilience that he’s shown over the course of our career as a coach, he’s approaching his return in his rehab in an incredibly unique way. The relationships that he had with our former players and the care that they’re sharing with him is amazing. And his improvement continues," Buford said. However, nearly six months after the incident, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Popovich will not return to coaching this season, and his future in basketball remains uncertain as he continues to recover from the stroke.
The Interim Leadership of Mitch Johnson
The Spurs chose assistant coach Mitch Johnson to step in as the interim head coach while Popovich is out. Johnson, 39, brings a fresh and much younger voice to the team. He has been an assistant under Popovich since 2019, following a three-year stint with the Spurs’ G League affiliate. A former player at Stanford, Johnson has filled in for Popovich on two previous occasions, though never for such an extended period. His familiarity with the team’s systems and players, combined with his energetic and approachable style, has helped bridge the gap left by Popovich. Johnson’s primary focus has been to ensure the on-court development of the team continues, particularly for the young core led by Wembanyama and Castle. His leadership has been crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum and morale during this challenging time.
Looking Ahead: The Spurs’ Future and Popovich’s Legacy
The Spurs’ 2024-25 season has shown significant growth from the previous year, thanks in part to the promising development of Wembanyama and other young talents. However, the team’s progress is colored by the off-the-court concerns regarding Popovich’s health. The Spurs organization and the broader basketball community have rallied around Popovich, offering support and admiration for his resilience and contributions to the sport. While his return to the bench this season is unlikely, the Spurs remain optimistic that he will be back at some point. Popovich’s legacy is already cemented, and his ability to guide the team through a rebuild, even at his age, underscores his unparalleled dedication to the sport and his team. The Spurs will continue to honor his legacy and principles, ensuring that the team remains a formidable force in the NBA, both on and off the court.
