Longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouldn’t be returning this season.
Popovich addressed the crew Thursday for the primary time since having a stroke to replace gamers on his restoration and inform them he’s not returning this season, in accordance with NBA author Chris Haynes.
Popovich, 76, had a “delicate stroke” in November and launched an announcement on his determination to not return Thursday.
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Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs throughout a recreation in opposition to the New York Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis. (Brian Babineau/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs)
“I’ve determined to not return to the sidelines this season. 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,” the assertion stated.
“I’ll proceed to give attention to my well being with the hope that I can return to teaching sooner or later.”
Popovich is the oldest head coach in NBA historical past. He coached on the age of 75 earlier than turning 76 throughout his time away from the crew.
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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks to the media earlier than a recreation in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Heart in New Orleans April 5, 2024. (Stephen Lew/USA At the moment Sports activities)
He’s a five-time NBA champion, the NBA’s profession chief with 1,401 wins and 170 profession playoff wins and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2023.
The Spurs are 24-33 this season and are thirteenth within the Western Convention.
Regardless of buying star level guard De’Aaron Fox on the commerce deadline, the Spurs’ playoff hopes are slim in a powerful Western Convention.
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San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul has a phrase with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich throughout the second half of a recreation in opposition to the Utah Jazz Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake Metropolis. (AP Picture/Rick Egan)
The Spurs would have a significantly better likelihood of creating the playoffs with star middle Victor Wembanyama, however the crew lately dominated him out for the remainder of the season with a blood clot in his shoulder.
The Spurs’ subsequent recreation is on the street in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
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