Gregg Popovich had an “emotional” in-person meeting with Spurs players before officially announcing he would miss the rest of the NBA season, according to a new report.
The legendary San Antonio coach’s “NBA future remains uncertain as he recovers” from a stroke suffered in early November, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” Popovich said in a statement Thursday. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding. I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future.”
Charania added that “tears were shed from those in the room,” although Popovich’s words were filled with his familiar “motivational messages, jokes, critique and praise.”
Popovich, who has won five championships and became the winningest coach in NBA history during 29 seasons as the Spurs’ head coach, has been sidelined since Nov. 2 when he suffered a stroke before a game against the Timberwolves.
The 76-year-old coach was replaced by assistant Mitch Johnson, who has gone 22-30 since taking the top job in Popovich’s absence.
It’s just the second time Popovich has spoken publicly since suffering the stroke, following a mid-December statement thanking his supporters.
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said on Dec. 16. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful.
“We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”
Popovich’s health underscores what has been a turbulent season for the Spurs.
Earlier this month, San Antonio lost Victor Wembanyama for the season after the superstar big man was diagnosed with blood clots in his shoulder.
The franchise also made a major trade at the deadline, acquiring All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox from the Kings.
