When will we see Gregg Popovich on the sidelines of an NBA court again? The San Antonio Spurs coach suffered a stroke in early November before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and has not appeared since. The Texan franchise has not yet announced any return date. At 75 years old and having won everything, Gregg Popovich, in office since December 1996, will not take any risks with his health. After taking time to reflect on the situation, Spurs decided to communicate yesterday. First of all with a statement in which he assures that their coach “should make a full recovery”. Then through the voice of their general manager, Brian Wright, who attended the pre-game press conference.
“He’s fine, everyone knows what he’s like: he’s tough, a fighter,” explained the franchise’s sporting director speaking of Popovich. We can’t wait to welcome him back, but in the meantime we will make sure he has everything he needs, and give him the time and means to recover. » For the Spurs this absence is a hard blow: Popovich has been the face of the team since the mid-90s. Under his leadership the team won its 5 NBA titles.
“He has been the leader of this organization for the last three decades,” says Brian Wright. He is one of those who possess a special aura. We feel this leadership and presence every day when we enter the training center. Not having him with us creates a great void. » After his stroke on November 2, Gregg Popovich never set foot in his franchise’s facilities again. His only exchanges are limited to phone calls with managers and collaborators.
Front line assistants
Here’s how the Spurs will continue to operate: Young (37-year-old) assistant Mitch Johnson will lead the team as he has done for the last seven meetings. One might have thought that another staff member, Brett Brown, would take the reins: at 63, he has already coached an NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers (from 2013 to 2020). He will remain in the shadow of Mitch Johnson, even if the Spurs prefer to talk about “teamwork”.
“It won’t be just one person walking in Pop’s shoes,” assures Brian Wright. But it will be everyone’s job. We will remain united, each in their role. This is what Pop would want. » The Spurs coach, however, ended up reluctantly consoling Mitch Johnson, a coach for about ten years but whose experience as a player is limited to university games and the G-League, the championship of the NBA’s hopes.
“Mitch and the staff have done a phenomenal job in carrying out Pop’s vision for the team’s game,” notes Brian Wright. And the team is playing very well at the moment. Brett has a great understanding of our organization and does a great job helping and supporting Mitch. » Over time, the Spurs will reevaluate whether or not changes to the team’s organization are necessary.
Wembanyama: “the best coach of all time”
A transitional period that doesn’t seem to impact the players too much. “They are doing well, but that doesn’t mean this moment hasn’t been difficult for them,” notes the general manager. I’m not sure there’s another person, in any facility, even in sports, who means as much to us as Pop. He is much more than a coach. He doesn’t just talk about basketball, he also talks about life and the kids feel it. It is important for their growth, especially for a young group like ours. »
A feeling confirmed by Victor Wembanyama: “All coaches have their own personality, but it’s not for nothing that he is the best coach of all time,” declared the Frenchman. Bring something special. He knows everyone’s psychology perfectly. I was a little worried for him when I found out what had happened to him, but I can imagine his state of mind right now: working like crazy to get back as quickly as possible. I have faith in him and in those around him, I hope he doesn’t stay away from us for too long. »
Popovich had in fact decided to prolong a little the pleasure of being able to coach this French giant who plays basketball like no other before him. And Wemby was happy to be able to count, for his progress, on one of the most recognized figures in the history of basketball, Olympic champion with Team USA in 2021 in particular. A priori, the two men have not yet finished their shared history.
Interview between Time.news Editor (E) and Basketball Expert (X)
E: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the latest in sports and beyond. Today, we’re discussing the current situation surrounding San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who recently suffered a stroke. Joining us is our basketball expert, who will provide insights on the implications of his absence for the team and the league. Thanks for being here!
X: Thanks for having me! It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to discuss it.
E: Let’s dive right in. Popovich has been a cornerstone of the Spurs for over two decades. How significant is his absence for the team?
X: It’s monumental. Popovich is not only one of the most successful coaches in NBA history—having led the Spurs to five championships—but he has also been the emotional and strategic leader of the organization for nearly 30 years. His unique coaching style and ability to inspire players can’t be understated.
E: The Spurs announced that he’s on the road to recovery and that his return date hasn’t been established yet. From a team dynamics perspective, how does this uncertainty affect the Spurs?
X: It creates a mix of challenges and opportunities. His assistants, like Mitch Johnson, have stepped up, but you can’t replicate Pop’s leadership entirely. The team might perform well temporarily, as Brian Wright noted, Mitch and the staff are doing a phenomenal job. However, there’s an undeniable void from not having Popovich around. The players feel his absence as they adjust to this transitional phase.
E: You mentioned Mitch Johnson stepping into a leadership role. How important is the support structure around him, especially with someone like Brett Brown in the mix?
X: Having an experienced coach like Brett Brown as part of the staff is crucial. Although he’s not in the lead role, he provides valuable insights and experience. The Spurs’ philosophy, as articulated by Wright, is focused on teamwork, and collaboration will be key during this time. It won’t just be Mitch but a collective effort to uphold Pop’s vision for the team.
E: Interesting! How do you see the players responding to Pop’s absence? Some, like Victor Wembanyama, have referred to him as “the best coach of all time.”
X: Absolutely, Wembanyama’s respect for Popovich reflects how many players feel. Having a coach of his caliber creates a sense of stability and trust that players lean on, especially rookies. In times like this, players will have to rely on their training and the foundations that Popovich instilled. It can be both challenging and an opportunity for younger players to step up and assert themselves.
E: Moving forward, do you think there will be long-lasting impacts from this transition, even once Pop returns?
X: That’s bound to happen. Change is always an opportunity for evolution. While Pop will certainly bring back his unique touch, the team dynamics may shift, and some players may thrive under different styles or approaches. It’ll be interesting to see how the leadership structure evolves and whether Mitch continues to play a pivotal role moving forward.
E: And with Pop’s previous successful tenure, how do you think the league views this situation?
X: The NBA community holds him in high regard, and there’s a palpable concern for both his health and how this impacts the Spurs. Many in the league respect the way he has advocated for players and contributed to the game as a whole. There will be collective support for his recovery, but also a desire to see how the Spurs might adapt during his absence.
E: Thank you for those insights! It’s a challenging time for the Spurs, but it’s clear they have a lot of talent and resilience to navigate through this. We’ll keep our eyes on Gregg Popovich’s return and the team’s progress.
X: Thank you for having me—let’s hope for a smooth recovery for Pop and the team continues to build on his legacy!
E: That was our discussion on the future of the Spurs and the impact of Gregg Popovich’s absence. Stay tuned for more updates!