Watching San Antonio Spurs games without Gregg Popovich patrolling the sideline over the past six weeks has been a strange sight.
In his first public statement since suffering a mild stroke on Nov. 2, Popovich said Monday he's thankful for the support he's received over the past six weeks.
"As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we've received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way," he said in a statement released by the team.
He did not indicate a potential timeline for return.
Popovich, the 75-year-old Hall of Famer in his 29th season as Spurs head coach, called the health scare "unexpected."
He added that he and his family are "forever grateful" to everyone who has reached out.
"We're thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends," he said.
The Spurs are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 13-13 record.
Popovich is the NBA's all-time win leader. He's led the Spurs to five championships, plus guided USA Basketball to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
But while Popovich has been absent, it seems his trademark wit is still with him.
"No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process.
"They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable."
The stroke happened at the team's arena, and since rescue workers were there, Popovich was able to start receiving treatment almost immediately. He was transported to a nearby hospital.
It has not been revealed what lingering effects of the stroke Popovich is dealing with, and how much longer his rehabilitation process may take. Longtime Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson has served as acting coach in Popovich's absence.
“Mitch has done an incredible job,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said earlier this month.
Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA coach of the year award three times, Don Nelson and Pat Riley being the others. He’s one of five coaches with at least five NBA titles; Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (nine), John Kundla (five) and Riley (five) are the others.
Popovich has been part of the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988-92, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. He fired coach Bob Hill and appointed himself coach on Dec. 10, 1996.
He’s been the Spurs’ sideline boss ever since.
“We look forward to the day that we can welcome him back,” Spurs general manager Brian Wright said last month.
--with files from The Associated Press
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