Gregg Popovich “Expected to Make Full Recovery” Following Mild Stroke

Gregg Popovich, who has served as the San Antonio Spurs’ head coach since 1996, is “expected to make a full recovery” after experiencing a mild stroke earlier this month, according to the team. The 75-year-old coach has been absent from the Spurs’ most recent six games due to what was initially described as an undisclosed health issue. He suffered a stroke on November 2 at the team’s arena, prior to a home victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A statement released by the club indicated that Popovich “has already started a rehabilitation program,” though the “timeline for his return to the sidelines has not been determined.” Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over as interim coach during Popovich’s absence. Popovich, recognized as the oldest coach in NBA history, holds the league’s all-time record for victories, with 1,390 regular season wins and an additional 170 post-season triumphs. He has led the Spurs to five NBA championships throughout his 29 seasons at the helm.