The San Antonio Spurs are uncertain about when, or if, Gregg Popovich will return as head coach this season.
Popovich experienced an undisclosed medical episode last Saturday, about two and a half hours before the Spurs’ home game against Minnesota. Acting head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Popovich was “not feeling well” but did not provide further details about what happened earlier that day.
Since then, Popovich has missed three games, including Thursday’s home game against Portland. When asked if there was any update on Popovich’s return, Johnson said he did not have any new information to share.
“He’s doing good,” Johnson said on Thursday. “We’ve been talking. I’ve had my hands full with this, trying to stay above water. So, I haven’t discussed any details, and I’m not sure about anything … no details.”
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama shared that the players haven’t had much direct contact with Popovich recently but expressed confidence that the coach would be back soon.
“We don’t hear a lot from Pop,” Wembanyama said after the Spurs’ 118-105 win. “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.”
Popovich, who is 75 years old, is the oldest head coach in NBA history. In 2020, he passed the previous record held by Hubie Brown, who retired at age 71. Popovich is the NBA’s all-time leader in wins with 1,390 regular-season victories and 170 playoff wins. He has won five NBA titles and is in his 29th season with the Spurs.
