Gregg Popovich health update: Spurs HC not expected to return for season following stroke, future uncertain

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return to the sidelines this season. Popovich has not been with the team for quite some time now after suffering a stroke in November.

There are questions about his long-term status with San Antonio too. Charania says Popovich’s future is “uncertain” at the moment after spending nearly three decades with the franchise.

“San Antonio Spurs’ Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and his future is uncertain as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November, league sources tell ESPN,” Charania said via X.

The stroke Popovich suffered took place on Nov. 4 before a game. He immediately stepped away from the team and obviously, has not been back since. The term used at the time was “indefinitely” but now, the report from Charania states at least the season is done.

As of Saturday, the Spurs are six games under .500 at 24-30. Making the playoffs is incredibly unlikely for such a proud franchise, potentially extending the drought to six seasons — the longest in team history. Not having Popovich on the sidelines has certainly played a role.

There does appear to be a bright future in San Antonio because of the roster. Victor Wembanyama is en route to being a great player despite also recently being shut down while D’Aaron Fox was acquired in a trade.

Helping Popovich back to full health is at the top of the priority list but a tough decision might be coming for the Spurs in the near future.

San Antonio Spurs to be without Victor Wembanyama for rest of season

San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. A deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein.

Wembanyama is in his second season in the NBA. He’s averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.

Wembanyama made his first All-Star Game appearance this season. The 7-foot-3 standout put on a show for fans, throwing down dunks and knocking down 3s. Nonetheless, upon his return to San Antonio, Wembanyama was diagnosed with a blood clot.

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report