As the San Antonio Spurs take the court in Paris for a pair of showcase games against the Indiana Pacers, one notable figure is conspicuously absent: legendary head coach Gregg Popovich. The 75-year-old mastermind behind the Spurs’ decades of success is back home in San Antonio, aggressively attacking rehab after suffering a stroke in early November.
Popovich’s Fiery Determination Fuels Rehab
Though thousands of miles away, Popovich’s presence still looms large over the Spurs organization. Spurs CEO R.C. Buford, one of Pop’s closest confidants, provided an update on the coach’s recovery on Wednesday, painting a picture of a man approaching rehab with the same signature grit and competitiveness that has defined his legendary career.
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.
R.C. Buford, Spurs CEO
Buford went on to praise the outpouring of support from Popovich’s former players, noting the special relationships the coach has built over his nearly three decades at the helm in San Antonio. While the organization has not provided a specific timeline for Popovich’s return to the sidelines, Buford emphasized that the coach’s recovery is continuing to progress.
Staying Connected from Afar
Despite the distance, Popovich has remained actively involved with the team. Newly acquired point guard Chris Paul, who cited the opportunity to play for Popovich as a key factor in his decision to sign with the Spurs this offseason, shared that the coach frequently calls him after games to offer his always direct feedback and observations.
He calls after games and I talk to him, and he tells me what he sees, and I appreciate that more than anything because he doesn’t have to do that. And he does.
Chris Paul, Spurs guard
Acting head coach Mitch Johnson, thrust into the lead role with almost no notice after Popovich’s stroke, echoed Paul’s sentiments. Johnson noted that he is in constant communication with Popovich, who remains as opinionated and competitive as ever in his critiques and praise from afar.
Team Focuses on the Present
With no clear timetable set for Popovich’s return, Johnson and the Spurs are taking things day by day. The team has posted a 17-19 record since Popovich’s stroke, staying afloat but struggling to find consistency, as evidenced by their current stretch of six losses in seven games.
Still, Johnson emphasized that the team’s primary focus remains on Popovich’s health and recovery. Basketball comes second to the legendary coach’s wellbeing.
Pop’s health has been the priority since the start of this and until dot-dot-dot. That’s kind of how we, and I, take the approach. We want the best for Pop and I want the best for this team and however I can help is where I’ll put my energy.
Mitch Johnson, Acting Spurs head coach
NBA Community Rallies Around Pop
As the NBA converges on Paris for this week’s festivities, Popovich’s absence is felt by the coaching fraternity. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle noted how strange it is not to see his longtime friend and competitor on the opposing sideline, while expressing optimism about his recovery.
He’s really an institution, and he’s been such a constant. It’s different not seeing him. But I’ve had some communication with him. He’s doing better all the time. And the hope is he’ll be back.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers head coach
For now, the Spurs will continue to navigate this uncertain period one game at a time, buoyed by the knowledge that their legendary leader is attacking his recovery with the same unrelenting spirit that has come to define him. The basketball world eagerly awaits Gregg Popovich’s return to the sidelines, but for now, his health and progress remain the top priority.
