Gregg Popovich is back home and doing well after being hospitalized following a medical incident at a restaurant Tuesday night, a source told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday.
The 76-year-old Spurs coach—the oldest in NBA history—had been taken by ambulance to a hospital with what officials described as a non-life-threatening condition. TMZ Sports reported that Popovich was alert when loaded into the ambulance.
This comes just months after Pop suffered what the team called a “mild stroke” in November, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
The Spurs turned to 38-year-old assistant Mitch Johnson to take over head coaching duties while Popovich recovered.
Pop’s health struggles have raised questions about his future with the team he’s led since 1996.
He’s the NBA’s all-time winningest coach with 1,412 regular-season victories, 170 playoff wins, and five championships to his name.
In July 2023, Popovich signed a massive five-year contract worth over $80 million. His $17 million annual salary makes him the second-highest-paid coach in the NBA, just behind Golden State’s Steve Kerr at $17.5 million.
## Planning for the Future
The Spurs are reportedly preparing for scenarios where Popovich might need more time away from the team to focus on his health, according to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
Johnson mentioned that the coaching staff has already developed an offseason plan that will move forward with or without Popovich’s day-to-day involvement.
“I think I haven’t had time to deal with it yet,” Johnson said after the season finale on April 13. “I understand it’s a fair question and I think I will, hopefully like everybody that’s gone through this, take some time away, catch my breath and spend some time with family. This organization is still prioritizing Pop’s health.”
The assistant coach added that while his role has evolved during his nine years with the team, player development remains their primary focus heading into the offseason.
According to Wright, the Spurs have “steadfastly maintained internally” that they’ll let Popovich decide whether he wants to return for his 30th season in San Antonio.
## Staying Connected
Despite his absence, Popovich hasn’t completely stepped away from team operations. As both head coach and team president, he’s kept in regular contact with Johnson, general manager Brian Wright, and players—offering support and input on game plans throughout his recovery.
“It’s not one person to fill Pop’s shoes in this moment. It’s a village,” Wright said shortly after Popovich’s stroke in November. “We’ve all bonded together. We’re all playing our roles in that part, and we’ll continue to do that. It’s what he would want.”
RC Buford, the Spurs CEO and Pop’s longtime friend who helped build most of the franchise’s championship teams, provided an encouraging update in January.
“The same resilience he’s shown over the course of our career as a coach, he’s approaching his return in his rehab in an incredibly unique way,” Buford said. “The relationships he’s had with former players and the care they’re sharing with him is amazing, and his improvement continues.”
Beyond his five NBA championships, Popovich has collected three Coach of the Year awards (2003, 2012, 2014) and coached in four All-Star Games (2005, 2011, 2013, 2016).
Will we see the legendary coach back on the sidelines next season? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as Pop continues his recovery.
