Gregg Popovich, the legendary San Antonio Spurs coach, emotionally met with his players for the first time since suffering a mild stroke in November. After the meeting, he announced he will not return to coaching this season but remains hopeful for the future. He praised the team's interim coach Mitch Johnson and expressed pride in the players for their professionalism and teamwork amid challenging circumstances. Popovich, the oldest and winningest coach in NBA history, turns 76 and has led the Spurs since the 1996-97 season.
I've decided not to return to the sidelines this season. Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding.
Popovich is the NBA's winningest coach with 1,412 regular-season victories and another 170 in the postseason to go with five championships.
My focus will remain on health and returning to coaching in the future. I appreciate the support from players and staff during this time.
On Nov. 2, he suffered what the team called a 'mild stroke' ahead of a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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