San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is unlikely to return to the bench this season after suffering a stroke in November, ESPN reported on Saturday.
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time victories leader, has not appeared on the Spurs’ bench since November 2, when he suffered what the franchise later described as a minor stroke.
The 76-year-old NBA legend announced in December that he was hoping to return to work this season.
However, ESPN, citing league sources, claimed on Saturday that Popovich was no longer anticipated to participate in San Antonio’s campaign. The report also stated that Popovich’s long-term status in the league was “uncertain.”
Credit: AP News
Spurs officials did not immediately react to AFP’s request for comment.
Popovich, the NBA’s oldest coach, has 1,390 regular-season wins and another 170 postseason victories.
In 29 seasons as head coach, he has led the Spurs to five NBA championships.
In a December statement, Popovich thanked fans and colleagues for their support, joking that Spurs rehabilitation staff were eager for him to return to coaching.
“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process,” said Popovich, who is known for his tenacity and grumpiness. “They rapidly discovered that I am not very coachable.
“As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.”
ESPN’s report on Saturday follows a tough week for San Antonio, which announced on Thursday that French star Victor Wembanyama will not play again this season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
