NBA
Popovich utters first public words since stroke scare
The San Antonio Spurs coach hopes to be back in charge of the team very soon after suffering a stroke on November 2.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Monday that he hopes to return to coaching the Texas franchise and thanked the support he has received since he suffered a stroke on November 2.
The legendary Spurs coach, a five-time NBA champion, has uttered his first words since suffering a stroke last month.
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. 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 and every 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,” Popovich said in a statement released by the Spurs.
“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable,” he joked.
Popovich’s health issues
Popovich, 75, suffered the stroke on November 2 before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and two days later it was announced that he was leaving the bench for an indefinite period due to health problems.
In his absence, Mitch Johnson has taken over the reins of the Spurs on an interim basis.
Considered one of the best coaches in the history of basketball, Popovich is synonymous with success, consistency and loyalty to the Spurs, whom he has coached uninterruptedly since the 1996-1997 season.
Popovich completely changed the DNA of the franchise and led the Spurs to win five rings (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014).
His extraordinary NBA career is linked above all to basketball legend Tim Duncan and also to other exceptional players such as David Robinson, Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and the Argentine Manu Ginobili.
Since last year, he has been responsible for shaping one of the new generational talents to have emerged - French center Victor Wembanyama.