Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke before a home game on Nov. 2 and is expected to make a full recovery, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
It was previously reported that Popovich, 75, had a medical issue at the team's arena before the win over the Timberwolves, but the issue had not previously been made public.
The Spurs noted that Popovich has already begun a rehabilitation program and said, “At this time, there is no set timeline for his return to the sideline.” “The organization would like to thank the broader community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family during this time.”
Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson is handling interim head coaching duties in Popovich's absence.
The last time Popovich coached the Spurs was on Halloween in Salt Lake City, when the team defeated the Jazz.
“He's not feeling well,” Johnson said of Popovich last week. “This has happened before. I think everyone always has to be ready for the next guy. We've had injuries, sometimes we get sick, we don't feel well, something happens in our lives. Sometimes it happens. He just doesn't feel good.”
Popovich, currently in his 29th season as San Antonio's manager since 1996, has led the team to five NBA championships and won three NBA Coach of the Year awards.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
The Spurs enter Wednesday's game against the Wizards with a 5-6 record on the season.
