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Spurs announce Gregg Popovich suffered mild stroke, expected to make ‘full recovery’ but no timetable for return (Video)
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Spurs announce Gregg Popovich suffered mild stroke, expected to make ‘full recovery’ but no timetable for return (Video)

The San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday that head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke in early November, leading to his recent indefinite medical absence from the team.

In the statement issued by the team, The Spurs said the stroke occurred Nov. 2 at their home arena, Frost Bank Center. Now 11 days after his stroke, the team says Popovich has already begun a rehabilitation program and is “expected to make a full recovery.” However, there is no timeline for his return, so we don’t know when he might return this season or if next season is a more realistic target.

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 14: San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich looks on as the Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 14: San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich looks on as the Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke in early November, but is expected to make a full recovery. (Ron Jenkins via Getty Images)

Popovich’s shot was initially announced as an unspecified medical problem which appeared on Nov. 2, the day the Spurs took on the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. Popovich did not coach that game, and assistant Mitch Johnson stepped on the sidelines. It was announced on November 4 that Johnson would serve as the interim coach while Popovich was away. In the six games Johnson has coached in Popovich’s absence, the Spurs are 3-3.

Popovich, 75, is in his 29th season with the Spurs and is the longest tenured head coach in the league. He leads the NBA in wins with 1,391 career regular season wins and another 170 in the postseason. He also coached five Spurs teams to NBA titles.