Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 30, 2024 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Brian Babineau, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP//File
San Antonio Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich announced today that he will not return for the remainder of the season.
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching wins, has been focusing on his recovery since suffering a mild stroke in November 2024.
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson will continue to lead the team in his absence. Popovich expressed pride in his team’s professionalism during this challenging period and remains hopeful about resuming his coaching role in the future.
This announcement comes on the heels of another setback for the Spurs: the loss of star center Victor Wembanyama for the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Before his diagnosis, Wembanyama was averaging 24.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.
In an effort to strengthen their roster, the Spurs acquired point guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade earlier this month. The deal also involved the Chicago Bulls and included multiple player and draft pick exchanges. Fox, known for his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities, is expected to play a pivotal role alongside the team’s young talents and form an promising duo with Wembanyama.