Gregg Popovich to miss rest of NBA season with San Antonio Spurs after stroke

San Antonio Spurs' head coach, Gregg Popovich, is unlikely to make a comeback this season as he recuperates from a stroke sustained earlier in the campaign. The revelation that Popovich will be absent for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season follows closely on the heels of the news that French sensation Victor Wembanyama has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder.

Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder upon his return to San Antonio post the NBA's All-Star Weekend. The announcement of Wembanyama's condition by the Spurs immediately brought to mind former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh, whose career was prematurely ended after being diagnosed with multiple blood clots and it was deemed unsafe for him to continue playing.

While Wembanyama's DVT diagnosis took the league by surprise, Popovich's return to the sideline remained largely under wraps due to the Spurs' renowned discretion. Known for their commitment to keeping team matters confidential, San Antonio has been notably reticent about the legendary head coach's condition since he suffered a stroke at the Frost Bank Center on Nov. 2.

Even ex-players were left in the dark regarding Popovich's health status.

Ex-Spurs star Danny Green opened up about the hushed atmosphere surrounding Gregg Popovich's health prior to the Los Angeles Lakers' resounding victory against the Boston Celtics, sharing insights with Mirror U.S. Sports before their 117-96 triumph on Jan. 23. "I've spoken to the group some, I haven't had a chance to speak with Pop," revealed Green.

"I was trying to check on him when I went back there, but they're limiting access to who can see him. He's rehabbing."

While he hasn't been privy to direct updates, Green remarked, "My understanding is that he's doing OK and well, but I have not got a chance to get updates. I did get a chance to call some Spurs games. I talked to [Spurs CEO R.C. Buford] a couple times, which was great. They're keeping everything in-house and tight to the chest. But from my understanding, he's doing better."

The absence of both Popovich and promising talent Wembanyama for the remainder of the season strikes a hard blow to the Spurs' aspirations in the Western Conference. With the acquisition of De'Aaron Fox, the team hopes to build a dynamic duo alongside Wembanyama for several seasons.

Unfortunately, Spurs supporters will need to be patient till next term to witness the synergy of Webanyama and Fox as the prior undergoes treatment for blood clots, necessitating a period on blood thinners and restraint from certain basketball activities.

Meanwhile, Popovich will persist with his recovery from a stroke. Provided everything goes according to plan for the pair, fans can anticipate seeing both on the sidelines in the 2025-26 season.