Gregg Popovich Recovering After Medical Scare in San Antonio \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Gregg Popovich is recovering at home following a recent health scare at a San Antonio restaurant. The 76-year-old coach, who missed most of the season due to a mild stroke, reportedly needed medical attention but is now doing well. The Spurs have not confirmed if he’ll return for next season.
Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs and one of the most decorated figures in NBA history, is reportedly doing well and resting at home following a medical incident earlier this week. According to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the Associated Press, Popovich needed medical attention after falling ill at a San Antonio restaurant Tuesday night.
The 76-year-old coach, who has spent most of the current NBA season away from the sidelines after suffering a mild stroke in November, began feeling unwell during dinner, prompting someone at the restaurant to call emergency services. Video footage obtained by TMZ Sports appears to show Popovich being wheeled away on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. The outlet reports that first responders arrived after a call about someone fainting inside the venue.
This incident marks the second known health concern for Popovich in less than a year. On November 2, 2023he suffered a mild stroke at the Spurs’ home arena. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in as acting head coach that night and went on to lead the team through the remainder of the 2023–24 NBA season, coaching the final 77 games.
Despite being away from active coaching duties, Popovich remained connected to the organization. He was frequently seen at the Spurs’ facility and even addressed the team during practices and meetings, most notably in February. At that time, he expressed hope that he could return to coaching in the future, though he acknowledged he was still focused on recovery.
As of now, the Spurs organization has not released an official statement regarding Popovich’s health or whether he intends to return in time for the 2024–25 season. Popovich is under contract through the 2027–28 NBA seasona sign of the organization’s enduring commitment to his leadership, regardless of whether he returns to the bench full-time next year.
Many within the league hope to see him back in action, not only for his tactical brilliance but also for his leadership, mentorship, and influence on the league’s next generation of coaches and players.
Popovich’s résumé is nothing short of legendary. A member of the Basketball Hall of Famehe has guided the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championshipscoached Team USA to Olympic gold in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Gamesand currently holds the record for most wins by a head coach in NBA history.
He is also one of just three coaches to win the NBA Coach of the Year award three times, joining the ranks of Don Nelson and Pat Riley. His tenure with the Spurs began in 1988when he joined the team as an assistant coach. After a brief stint away from the organization, he returned in 1994 as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.
In a defining moment of his career, Popovich made the controversial decision to fire head coach Bob Hill in December 1996 and appointed himself head coach—an unprecedented move that launched one of the most successful coaching runs in sports history. He has held that title ever since, becoming a cornerstone of NBA culture and success.
Popovich’s recovery is being closely watched by players, coaches, fans, and the basketball community alike. Known for his sharp wit, tactical mind, and passion for social justice, Popovich is revered far beyond San Antonio. His recent health challenges have raised concerns, but his resilience and continued involvement with the team reflect a strong will to stay engaged with the sport he loves.
As of now, the Spurs are in an offseason period of evaluation and development, especially as they continue to build around young talent. Whether Popovich returns to the bench next season remains uncertain, but what is certain is the immense legacy he leaves with every passing year—even while recovering.
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