The San Antonio Spurs‘ ringmaster, Gregg Popovich, will be off his duties for a while. Given his anonymous illness, which the team has yet to share updates on, the 75-year-old coaching legend will be absent. Since the front office hasn’t given the HC’s return timeline, expect some indefinite disappearance from the NBA pictures. Meanwhile, assistant coach Mitch Johnson will lead the team while the legendary boss rests and recovers.
Coach Johnson took command of the team on Saturday, just hours before the face-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gregg Popovich‘s “health issues” sidelined him, but his absence on the court did not dishearten his boys. Chris Paul & Co. won the game 113-103 against Anthony Edwards’ team. However, this is not the first time the coaching icon has suffered from health issues. Now, you may say it’s his age- well, who said it isn’t possible?
Let’s look at Popovich’s health report over the years.
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Gregg Popovich’s two heart procedures in 2015
The HC has coached the San Antonio Spurs since 1996. In these 28 years, the Spurs have won five NBA championship trophies. So it is only natural for the fans and the team to miss Gregg Popovich. However, this isn’t the first time Gregg Popovich will be away from his coaching duties. Because back in 2014, after two heart procedures, the then-66-year-old was resting until complete recovery.
Gregg Popovich has freshly signed a five-year extended contract with the Spurs in 2015. Amidst the extension, the veteran missed several games in the 2014/15 NBA season. The Basketball Hall of Famer missed quite a few games around the team after undergoing two heart procedures. Speaking with Larry Brown a decade ago, Coach Pop confessed he often contemplated retirement seriously. But well, we know that retirement didn’t happen and Gregg continues to guide the Spurs.
USA Today via Reuters Sept 27, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during media day at the Spurs practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, the 75YO coach also has a history of hip replacement surgery from 2014. So, ten years ago, Gregg Popovich had turned into a regular visitor to clinics. But well, things have always turned towards the well-being of the NBA legend.
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A hip extension surgery in the 2014 offseason
Gregg Popovich, known for his love of wine and coaching the Spurs, participated in a charity wine auction in Portland back in 2014. At the event, Popovich revealed he had undergone hip replacement surgery during the offseason. Popovich stood, acknowledging his discomfort from his postseason hip replacement surgery, and said a few words to the crowd about wines.
Some thought that surgery on this scale could affect Coach Pop’s efficiency. But that did not happen. The surgery didn’t hinder Popovich’s ability to coach the team, as he had already signed a contract extension and was set to lead the Spurs into the next season. While fans didn’t see him moving as energetically on the sidelines, his commitment to the team remained strong.
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via Imago Oct 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Well, the saying that the San Antonio Spurs are aging is turning into reality. Gregg Popovich’s health challenges have tested his resilience, yet he remains committed to his team. Despite age and surgeries, he’s consistently returned to guide the Spurs. As he rests now, we hope he has a speedy recovery and returns to the sideline as soon as possible.
Gregg Popovich Medical History: Looking Back at 75-YO HC’s Health Issues Over the Years
