Gregg Popovich, the legendary longtime coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is taking a leave of absence from the team to recover from what appears to be a significant health issue. Popovich, the NBA‘s all-time leader in wins, is a beloved figure around the league — and the hope has been that his absence is merely precautionary, and temporary in duration.
But concerns are growing over Popovich’s health, his future, and whether he will return to the NBA at all in light of his indefinite leave. Reports from very well-connected insiders are painting a bleak picture as it pertains to Popovich’s potential return to coaching.
Spurs are said to be deeply concerned about Popovich
ESPN‘s Shams Charania on Tuesday said that there is a “great level of concern” over the 75-year-old Popovich, who suffered what has been dubbed a “serious health issue”.
“It was a situation Saturday night pregame that Gregg Popovich needed medical attention in San Antonio,” Charania said. “It is still uncertain when he’s going to make it back on the sidelines for this team.”
Longtime Spurs beat writer Mike Finger has reported that the Spurs are “keeping a very tight circle” and do not seem to be expecting Popovich to return to the sideline anytime soon. Popovich, a five-time NBA champion, is 12 regular-season wins away from 1,400 victories for his career.
Seeing as Popovich has held enormous influence over the Spurs franchise for nearly three decades, it would be a rather significant development if he does not return to coaching. It remains to be seen what effect that would have on a talented young Spurs core, headlined by the 7’4” phenom Victor Wembanyama, that is trying to return San Antonio to the NBA’s elite.