Spurs reveal details of Gregg Popovich’s health issue

Feb 8, 2020; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich on the sideline against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs have shared some information about the health issue that led to Gregg Popovich stepping away from the team.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Spurs revealed that Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2 when the team was preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Popovich has begun a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Spurs added that a timeline for Popovich’s return to the team’s bench has not been determined.

A recent report indicated that there was a “great level of concern” among the Spurs for Popovich’s health, and we can now see why.

Popovich, who will turn 76 in January, is both the oldest head coach in the NBA at the moment and in league history. There has been talk for years about him retiring, and he nearly called it a career due to health complications in 2015.

Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over as interim head coach in Popovich’s absence. San Antonio has gone 3-3 in Popovich’s absence and will host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.