Gregg Popovich, the 76-year-old head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has been absent from the sidelines since suffering a stroke on November 2, 2024. As he focuses on recovery, the Spurs have looked vastly different this season. The team has endured numerous changes and performances that could hardly reflect the coaching legacy that Popovich cultivated over his many years in charge.
Keldon Johnson, drafted by the Spurs as the 29th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is the team’s longest-tenured player and stands out during this transitional phase. Johnson has openly credited Popovich for shaping his character, asserting, “He’s really shaped who I am as a young man. A lot of people think Pop is so stern. No, no, no. He’s one of the best human beings I’ve ever been around. He treats everybody really well and puts everyone before himself.” Currently, Johnson plays a pivotal role coming off the bench, averaging 12.6 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field.
While Johnson is fostered under Popovich’s guidance, the Spurs have recently had their roster reshaped. Since Popovich’s stroke, the team saw players like De’Aaron Fox thrive as an uncontested starter while losing key players to injuries, including Victor Wembanyama. This season, though, they have experienced more losses than wins. However, they have already recorded six more victories compared to the previous season, hinting at progress.
Returning to practice has been a significant milestone for Popovich. Approximately three weeks ago, he visited the Spurs’ facility and addressed the team, marking the first time since his health crisis. Although he moved with deliberate intent, he displayed the charisma and energy that has defined his coaching style. Keldon Johnson recounted, “Everybody shut the f up when he walked in. Obviously, he’s still recovering. But he was still cussing. ‘Y’all need to play defense. Y’all need to rebound.’ Knowing that, s, he really is watching the games because he’s calling out specific situations, was huge.” His presence seems to have revitalized the team, injecting hope as they navigate the remainder of their season.
Despite the positive reports regarding Popovich’s recovery, he has confirmed he won’t return to coaching this season. In a statement, he expressed, “No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.” As he moves forward toward potential future coaching, the exact timing remains uncertain. It will ultimately rest on Popovich’s decision, supported by those close to him who affirm he has earned the right to determine his path.
To add to the challenges, the Spurs currently hold the No. 13 seed in the standings and face an uphill battle, which complicates their playoff aspirations. With only 15 games left in the 2024-2025 campaign, the Spurs are focused on improvement rather than immediate results. For now, they remain hopeful that with Popovich at the helm again one day, they may rekindle their former glory.
As the season winds down, there is an air of mixed emotions surrounding the Spurs. The excitement of tiny victories is tempered by the absence of one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. The Spurs, under acting coach Mitch Johnson, have encountered numerous adversities yet remain resilient. Following his stroke, the San Antonio faithful remain vigilant and supportive. After establishing a five-championship legacy, all eyes are on Popovich, and for Spurs’ fans everywhere, the hope for his return feels as strong as ever. Even from afar, Popovich’s influence continues to cast a long shadow over the 2024-25 season as both a coach and a mentor.
