Spurred on: Popovich keen to return to work

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich intends to return to coaching, he said Monday in his first public comments since suffering a stroke in early November.

Popovich, the NBA's career coaching wins leader, released a statement through the Spurs expressing gratitude for the support he has received in recent weeks. He had what the Spurs said a mild stroke about two-and-a-half hours prior to the team's home game against Minnesota on Nov 2.

There is no timetable for his return to coaching, though the Spurs have said doctors expect Popovich to make a full recovery.

"This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me," Popovich said. "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."

The 75-year-old Popovich has led the Spurs to five championships and guided the United States to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He is in his 29th season as coach of the Spurs.

The stroke happened at the team's arena, and since paramedics were already on-site, Popovich was able to start receiving treatment almost immediately. He was transported to a nearby hospital.

It has not been revealed what lingering effects of the stroke Popovich is dealing with, or how much longer his rehabilitation process may take. Longtime Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as acting coach in Popovich's absence.

"Mitch has done an incredible job," Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said earlier this month.

In his typical self-deprecating style, Popovich said those assisting in his rehabilitation are eager for him to return to work.

Evidently, he's not the best patient — or a patient person.

"No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process," Popovich said.

"They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable."

Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA coach of the year award three times, Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He's one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (nine), John Kundla (five) and Riley (five) are the others.

Popovich has been part of the Spurs setup for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988-92, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice-president for basketball operations and general manager. He fired coach Bob Hill and appointed himself coach on Dec 10, 1996.

He's been the Spurs' sideline boss ever since.

"We look forward to the day that we can welcome him back," Spurs general manager Brian Wright said last month.

Agencies Via Xinhua