THE SUN
SAN Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has suffered a stroke, the team announced.
Popovich, 75, will take an indefinite period of leave while he recovers from the health scare.
The Spurs added that the team expects the iconic head coach to make a full recovery.
San Antonio released a statement Wednesday confirming the health episode and defined it as “mild.”
It happened while he was at the NBA team’s Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on November 2.
Popovich has already begun his treatment and rehabilitation program.
The team released a statement shortly before midday local time on Wednesday.
“The San Antonio Spurs today announced that head coach Gregg Popovich has suffered a mild stroke,” the statement read.
“The episode occurred on Nov. 2 at the Frost Bank Center.
“Popovich, who has already started a rehabilitation program, is expected to make a full recovery.
“At this point, a timeline for his return to the sidelines has not been determined.
“During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family.”
Fans flooded social media to send Popovich some well wishes.
“Get well soon Coach Pop,” one said.
Another posted, “Basketball is NOT that important, he’s gotta take care of himself.”
“Wishing this legend a speedy recovery,” a third added.
While one more wrote, “Prayers up for Pop.”
Gregg Popovich began his coaching career in 1973 after a spell playing college basketball for Air Force.
He began as an assistant coach at Air Force before making it to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs from 1988 to 1992 and then the Golden State Warriors from 1992 to 1994.
Popovich became Spurs head coach in 1996 and hasn’t looked back since.
He led the team to the NBA title in 1999 with David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
The pair were also on the side that won a championship in 2003.
And Duncan was also part of Popovich’s title-winning teams in 2005, 2007 and 2014.
Pop is a three-time NBA Coach of the Year and has racked up 1,388 wins, the most in league history.
