Gregg Popovich not expected to return to coaching Spurs this season, ESPN reports

Gregg Popovich, 76, isn’t expected to return to coaching the San Antonio Spurs this season, according to senior ESPN hoops reporter Shams Charania.

Pop’s future leading the team remains uncertain as he recovers from a stroke sustained last November, Charania reports, citing “league sources.”

CEO R.C. Buford last month told reporters Popovich is expected to return to his role but offered no timetable. The hall-of-fame coach has also made no public appearances since the stroke, which franchise officials have described as “mild.”

The bad news comes days after the Spurs revealed star forward Victor Wembanyama is out for the rest of the season because doctors discovered a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The temporary loss of the No. 1 draft pick diminishes hopes the team can make the playoffs this cycle.

Popovich is in his 29th season coaching the Spurs. He’s the NBA’s oldest and longest-tenured coach.

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This article appears in Feb 19-25, 2025.