Gregg Popovich held a “emotional” dialogue with Spurs players before officially announced that he would miss the rest of the NBA season, according to a new report.
The legendary San Antonio coach “The future of the NBA remains uncertain as he recovers” from the stroke he suffered in early November ESPN's Shams Charania reported.
“I have decided not to go back to the bystander this season,” Popovich said in a statement Thursday. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done an incredible job, and the determination and professionalism they have shown together during this challenging season are outstanding. I will continue to focus on my health in the hopes of being able to return to coaching in the future.”
Charania added that Popovich's words were filled with the familiar “motivational messages, jokes, criticism and praise,” but that “tears were shedding from the people in the room.”
Popovich, who won five championships and became the Spurs head coach in 29 seasons to become the most won coach in NBA history, has been on the sidelines since November 2, when he struggled with strokes before his game against the Timberwolves.
The 76-year-old coach was replaced by assistant Mitch Johnson. Mitch Johnson went 22-30 after taking the top job in Popovich's absence.
This is the second time Popovich has spoken publicly since suffering a stroke.
“This was certainly an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich said on December 16th. I hope you all come back alone, but for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful.
“We are grateful for the amazing community, the whole Spurs organization, our family and friends.”
Popovich's health highlights what was a turbulent season for the Spurs.
Earlier this month, San Antonio lost Victor Wenbanama in the season after the superstar Big Man was diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder.
The franchise also made a massive deal at deadline, earning All-Star Point Guard Dearon Fox from the Kings.
