The NBA—and the world as a whole—looked very different the last time Gregg Popovich wasn’t head coach.
The 75-year-old living legend is in his 29th season in charge of the San Antonio Spurs, and he’s earned the right to be considered either the greatest or one of the greatest coaches in basketball history.
Unfortunately, his team will have to get by without him for the time being.
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the legendary coach suffered a health issue and will now be out indefinitely (via Yahoo Sports).
BREAKING: Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a health issue before Saturday’s game and will be out for an indefinite period, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/l9vFrBJJBf
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 4, 2024
Needless to say, this news shook the entire NBA community, with countless fans flooding social media with their thoughts and prayers for Popovich.
??Get well coach!!
— IzzoTSpartanDog (@apmsu1025) November 4, 2024
Sorry to hear this. Get well Pop.
— Scott Murphy (@sfscottmurphy) November 4, 2024
Hoping for the best. Get well, Coach!
— KoldGrey (@koldgrey) November 4, 2024
?
— gbeas9 (@gbeas9) November 4, 2024
Popovich missed the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and did not travel with the team to Los Angeles and Houston for their upcoming games.
His assistant, Mitch Johnson, will be the team’s interim head coach.
Popovich is the league’s all-time leader with 1,391 regular-season wins.
He also has 170 wins in the playoffs and five NBA championships.
However, his impact on the game of basketball goes way beyond the court.
On top of being the ultimate tactician, he’s also served as a caring mentor for countless coaches, and his influence is felt deeply within multiple organizations.
Multiple coaches have developed under his tutelage.
Hopefully, this will be nothing but a health scare, and the NBA community will rally behind him and his family to wish him a speedy and full recovery.
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