Spurs unsure when Gregg Popovich will return

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex Slitz/Getty Images/AFP 

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs are unsure when, or if, Gregg Popovich will return as coach this  NBA season.

Popovich suffered an undisclosed medical episode last Saturday about 2 1/2 hours prior to the Spurs’ home game against Minnesota.

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San Antonio acting head coach Mitch Johnson said Popovich was “not feeling well,” but would not elaborate on what happened hours earlier.

Popovich has missed three games since, including Thursday’s home game against Portland.

When asked if there was any clarity about Popovich returning this season, Johnson could not provide an answer.

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“I would say that … he’s doing good,” Johnson said Thursday. “We’ve been talking. I’ve had my hands full with this, in trying to stay above water. So, have not talked details and I’m not sure, about anything … that I’m … no details.”

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said the players have not had much contact with Popovich, but they expect him to return soon.

“We don’t hear a lot from Pop,” Wembanyama said after t he Spurs’ 118-105 win. “They keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know. So, I’m not worried about him. I know he’s going to come back soon.”

Popovich is the oldest coach in NBA history at 75 years old. In 2020, he surpassed the previous mark held by Hubie Brown as a 71-year-old in his final game as Memphis’ head coach.

Popovich is the NBA’s career leader with 1,390 victories and another 170 postseason wins while winning five NBA titles. He is in his 29th season, all with San Antonio.