Gregg Popovich has made his first public comments since suffering a mild stroke.
Popovich, 75, underwent a pregame medical event in early November and has been away from the Spurs since then.
On Monday, the longtime head coach released a statement via the team's social media accounts.
“The last six weeks have certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and for me,” Popovich began.
“As we work together towards my recovery, I would like to acknowledge that the outpouring of support we have received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way. I wish I could respond to each and every one of you, but for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful.
“I am grateful to our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and my family and friends.”
He ended his message with his trademark dry humor.
“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented people who guided me through my rehabilitation process,” Popovich wrote.
“I quickly learned that they were not at a level that I could coach.”
The exact date of Popovich's return was not disclosed in the statement.
Popovich has been the Spurs' head coach since being hired midway through the 1996-97 season.
The franchise won four NBA championships and had a record of 1,401-834 in the regular season and 170-114 in the playoffs during his tenure.
The Spurs are 13-13 this season and are currently seeded 11th in the Western Conference.
The No. 9 and No. 10 seeds are one game behind the Lakers and Clippers, who are both 14-12, and in position to qualify for the play-in tournament.
