Get well, Pop. The Spurs are in great hands until your return
First and foremost, take care, Pop.
We’re all eager to see you back on the sidelines doing what you do best—leading the San Antonio Spurs with your unmatched expertise and passion for the game.
On November 2, the Spurs revealed that Gregg Popovich had experienced a mild stroke before the team’s game against Minnesota. According to a statement released by the organization, Popovich has already begun his rehabilitation and is expected to make a full recovery. However, no timeline has been set for his return to coaching duties.
Take your time, Pop. We’re all looking forward to seeing you back, but only when you’re fully ready and when your doctors give the green light. The Spurs, the NBA, and the basketball community will be here for you when the time is right. And of course, sideline reporters will be eager to pose their usual between-quarter questions when you’re back.
Not every team could withstand the absence of a legendary Hall of Fame coach, but the Spurs are uniquely positioned to do so. This is the result of a deep commitment to continuity and stability, starting with the franchise’s leadership.
For nearly 30 years, the Holt family has owned the Spurs. CEO RC Buford, who initially joined the team in 1988, left in 1992, only to return two years later and remain a pillar of the franchise since then. Buford has been at the helm for 34 years, guiding the Spurs through an era of sustained success. Together with Popovich, now in his 29th season as head coach and the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, they’ve established a model of excellence that many teams aspire to replicate.
Assistant coach Brett Brown, who has been with the Spurs since 1998 (with a brief break), has contributed to four championship victories. Mitch Johnson, currently serving as acting head coach in Popovich’s absence, is in his ninth season with the team. General manager Brian Wright shares the same tenure, having spent nine seasons with the Spurs. The team’s basketball operations department is rounded out by Dave Telep, in his 12th season, and George Felton, the director of collegiate scouting, who’s been with San Antonio since 2006.
This continuity extends beyond the coaching staff. Head trainer Will Sevening was hired in 1998, and team physician Dr. David R. Schmidt has been with the Spurs for 32 seasons.
The Spurs’ commitment to developing their staff has been so successful that many of their long-serving employees have been poached by other teams. While the organization will certainly feel Popovich’s absence—especially during those iconic team dinners—the machine will continue running smoothly.
The Spurs have a clear plan in place for both the team and individual players. With so many seasoned staff members who have worked alongside Popovich for years, the execution of these plans will remain intact. It won’t be quite the same as hearing Pop’s voice, but the players, including second-year star Victor Wembanyama, understand that the guidance they receive originates from Popovich’s playbook.
And it’s a safe bet that Pop will be watching closely, offering encouragement and possibly even sending messages to his players and coaches from afar.
So, Pop, get well soon. We’re excited for your return, but we’ll wait patiently.
