Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2, the team announced Wednesday in a press release.
According to the Spurs, Popovich, who will turn 76 in January, has started a rehabilitation program and is expected to make a full recovery. A timeline for his return to the team’s bench has yet to be determined.
Word first broke on Nov. 4 that Popovich would be away from the Spurs indefinitely due to a health issue that occurred two days earlier. However, this is the first we’ve heard that health issue described in more specific terms.
Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as the club’s acting head coach in Popovich’s absence, leading San Antonio to a 3-3 record since taking the reins and earning praise from his players for how he has handled the new responsibilities. He figures to remain in that role for the foreseeable future until Popovich is healthy enough to resume his duties.
Popovich is the NBA’s all-time leader in head coaching wins, with a 1,391-824 regular season record (.628). He ranks third in playoff wins at 171, behind Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171).
We at Hoops Rumors send our best wishes to Popovich during his recovery.