ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that Gregg Popovich, who suffered a mild stroke in November, was unlikely to renew his position as head coach of the Spurs this season.
In line with NBA insider Chris Haynes, Popovich met with the staff on Wednesday for the primary for the reason that stroke to supply an replace on his restoration and to tell it that he wouldn’t coach once more in 2024-25.
Charania describes the in-person assembly as “emotional,” adding that Popovich’s long-term future is unsure as he continues to recuperate.
Popovich confirmed he gained’t return as head coach this season in a press release. Notably, he did say he hopes to renew teaching down the road.
“I’ve determined to not return to the sidelines this season,” Popovich stated. “(Appearing head coach) Mitch Johnson and his workers have completed an exquisite job and the resolve and professionalism the gamers have proven, sticking collectively throughout a difficult season, has been excellent. I’ll proceed to give attention to my well being with the hope that I can return to teaching sooner or later.”
As Popovich talked about, it has been a difficult season in San Antonio. Along with being with out the longest-tenured coach within the NBA, the Spurs had an “emotionally taxing” journey to France for a pair of video games towards Indiana, accomplished a significant in-season commerce — a rarity for the Spurs — for De’Aaron Fox and not too long ago realized that franchise participant Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of 2024-25 after he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his proper shoulder.
The Spurs have been struggling recently, dropping their final 4 video games. They’re at the moment 24-33, five-and-a-half video games behind Sacramento for the ultimate play-in spot within the West. Alternatively, the staff’s lottery odds have improved — San Antonio now has a 4.5 p.c probability to land the No. 1 total decide within the 2025 draft lottery, per Tankathon.
Popovich, 76, is the NBA’s all-time chief in head-coaching wins, with a 1,391-824 regular-season report (.628). He ranks third in playoff wins at 170, behind Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171). Popovich has gained 5 championships whereas guiding the membership since 1996-97 and has been with the group since 1988.
