Gregg Charles Popovich, head coach and president of the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, has been sidelined indefinitely due to an undisclosed Illness.
American professional basketball coach Gregg Popovich, who has been serving as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs for over 28 years, did not coach the Spurs in their Saturday game because of an undisclosed illness.
Furthermore, assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over his position and led the Spurs in their 113-103 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
Highlights
- Fans are worried about Pop’s health after the announcement of an indefinite absence, with many fearing it could be something serious like a heart attack or stroke.
- Mitch Johnson will be serving as the Interim coach for the Spurs.
- Gregg began his coaching career with Air Force Academy as an assistant coach.
According to ESPN, Gregg Popovich suffered a health issue before Saturday’s game, and assistant Mitch Johnson will probably be the interim head coach for an indefinite period following the upcoming match against Houston on Wednesday.
Similarly, the basketball Hall of Famer didn’t travel with the team to Los Angeles for Monday’s game against the Clippers.
Likewise, his undisclosed illness has raised concerns among fans, and many are wondering if Gregg Popovich will be back soon or is suffering from serious health issues.
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson, in his pregame conference, talked about the impact of Gregg Popovich on Sprus achievements and stated,
“I talked to him last night, He’s in good spirits, he’ll ok, he is ok.”
Fans Concerned About Gregg Popovich’s Health and Future As Head Coach Amid Growing Speculation
Fans are worried about Pop’s health after the announcement of an indefinite absence, with many fearing it could be something serious like a heart attack or stroke. Prayers are pouring in for his recovery.
Them saying indefinite period makes me think this is worse then their letting on.
Reddit User
I’m worried this was a heart attack or stroke but I’m really hoping it’s something much less serious.
Prayers up for Pop 🙏
Gregg Popovich said, “It’s your job to make me play you.”
— Greg Berge (@gb1121) October 16, 2024
Playing time is earned.
A victim mindset says…I didn’t play because coach doesn’t like me.
A winning mindset says…I didn’t play because I haven’t earned it yet.
Don’t be a victim.pic.twitter.com/6iGZp3WJow
At the same time, some fans are expressing concern over Pop’s age and health, hoping he’s okay after recent reports (which seem to indicate nothing too serious).
However, there’s also speculation that this could be the year he steps down as head coach, especially since many feel the assistant coaches have been carrying much of the load in the games this season.
Hate seeing Pop age and hope he is ok (sounds like nothing too serious from shams), but I wonder if this year is finally it for him as their HC. It seems like the assistants carry most of the load in the few spurs games I’ve watched this year.
Reddit User
Gregg Popovich Began His Coaching Career With Air Force Academy
Popovich began playing basketball with the Air Force Falcons men’s basketball team very young and won several championships.
Moreover, with his exceptional basketball skills, Gregg Popovich didn’t take long to begin his coaching career.
Gregg Popovich, who graduated from the Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in soviet studies and helped the Air Force basketball team win several matches, returned to the Academy as an assistant coach in 1973.
Likewise, in 1979, Popovich became the head coach of the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, the joint men’s basketball team of Pomona College and Pitzer College in Claremont, California.
Popovich was the head coach of Pomona-Pitzer for over nine years, leading the team to its first outright title in 68 years.
The NBA champion joined Brown as the lead assistant coach for the Spurs in the 1987-88 season and became Brown’s top assistant.
Although Gregg moved to the Golden State Warriors for a short period in 1992, serving as an assistant coach, he returned to the San Antonio Spurs in 1994 as the general manager and vice president of basketball operations.
Likewise, for years, Gregg Popovich has been showcasing his amazing coaching skills, leading the Spurs to victory in several games and becoming one of the most loved head coaches of all time.
Additional Informaiton
- Gregg Popovich was born on January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, to a Serbian father and a Croatian mother.
- He earned his master’s in physical education and sports sciences from the University of Denver.
- As the head coach, Gregg led the U.S. men’s national team to a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
- Popovich has two children with late wife, Erin Popovich. His wife passed away on April 18, 2018.
- He is a five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Coach of the Year, and four-time NBA All-Star Game head coach.
