SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Spurs head coach and NBA Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich shared a statement for the first time on Monday since suffering a mild stroke in November.
In the statement, Popovich expressed gratitude for the support that he and his family have received throughout his recovery period.
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. 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. No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable,” Popovich said in the statement.
Popovich suffered the stroke on Nov. 2 at the Frost Bank Center where the Spurs play, the team said. The medical episode happened hours before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Although Popovich has already begun rehabilitation, there’s no timetable for his return to coaching. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has served as the head coach of the Spurs in Popovich’s absence.
The 75-year-old is the NBA’s all-time win leader who led the Spurs to five championships and guided USA Basketball to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Popovich has been the head coach of the Spurs since 1996.