In a disappointing development, the San Antonio Spurs announced today that long-time coach Gregg Popovich (Pop) would miss the remainder of the season as he continues to recover from a stroke suffered in November. This should sadden Spurs fans, as well as NBA and basketball fans around the world. Pop is a legendary figure not only for his work on the court but also for his intellect and uncompromising personality.
To make matters worse, San Antonio is also without the services of their All-Star center, Victor Wembanyama, who was declared out for the season with a blood clot in his right shoulder.
Popovich Suffers Stroke
The Hall of Fame coach left the sideline after suffering a mild stroke on November 2 before the Spurs’ 113-103 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. At the time of the stroke, the Spurs announced that he was in rehabilitation and was “expected to make a full recovery.” In December, Popovich talked about his desire to return to the team.
Popovich, 76, is the longest-tenured coach in the NBA. He was first hired in 1996. He has led the Spurs to five NBA Championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014). These teams featured the tremendous trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. Pop is also a three-time NBA Coach of the Year (2003, 2012, 2014). He also coached Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. And he is the league’s all-time winningest coach, with 1,390 regular-season victories and 170 in the playoffs.
Wembanyama Goes Down
In more depressing team news, Wembanyama was declared out for the season with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. When he reported back to the team this week after the All-Star break, he complained of low energy. Victor was having an incredible season, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game. He was named to his first All-Star Game and was well on his way to making his first All-NBA Team.
Wembanyama will mostly be treated with blood-thinning medication. However, this medication precludes an athlete from continuing to play in a contact sport due to the high risk of bleeding. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Spurs Regroup
Currently, San Antonio is led by acting coach Mitch Johnson, filling in for Popovich. He has been with the Spurs as an assistant coach since 2019. The Spurs are 24-30 overall and 12th in the Western Conference. The only silver lining for the team with Wembanyama’s injury is that it has given De’Aaron Fox his moment in the spotlight. He is averaging 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game and is trying to erase the sting of an injury-riddled season by finishing strong.
We wish coach Pop and Victor healthy and full recoveries.
