Gregg Popovich unlikely to return, Spurs face uncertainty ahead

Gregg Popovich is not expected to return to the San Antonio Spurs bench for the remainder of the season, raising uncertainty about his future with the franchise.

The legendary head coach has been away from the team since suffering a stroke in November, and there is no clear timetable for his return.

Given his extended absence, speculation has grown about whether he will resume coaching or if this could mark the end of his Hall of Fame career.

In the meantime, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has served as acting head coach since November, stepping into the role with the expectation that Popovich would eventually return.

However, as the months have passed, that scenario has become increasingly doubtful.

Despite the team’s struggles, Johnson has kept the Spurs competitive, though the franchise now faces another significant challenge with the loss of star Victor Wembanyama, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot issue in his shoulder.

San Antonio currently holds a 24-30 record, and with their franchise cornerstone sidelined and their longtime coach’s future uncertain, they find themselves in a period of transition.

The organization may soon have to consider what a post-Popovich era could look like, should he decide not to return.

Popovich, who turned 76 in January, has been the face of the Spurs since taking over as head coach in 1996.

Over nearly three decades, he has led the franchise to five NBA championships and an astounding 22 playoff appearances in 29 seasons, solidifying his status as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

His influence on the game extends far beyond San Antonio, with countless former players and assistants carrying his coaching philosophy throughout the league.

If this is indeed the end of his tenure, it would mark the conclusion of one of the most remarkable coaching careers the NBA has ever seen.