Gregg Popovich, the legendary coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is continuing his recovery from a stroke suffered in November and will not return to the bench this season. However, he remains focused on the team's progress and recently addressed the players. Forward Keldon Johnson shared that despite his condition, Popovich's passion for the game remains undiminished, emphasizing the need for defensive play and rebounding.

As the Spurs navigate a challenging season, Popovich's health has been a significant concern, compounded by injuries to key players like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. Currently, the Spurs sit at 28-39, trailing four games behind a potential Play-In spot. With the team struggling, it's uncertain if Popovich will return full-time next season, but the organization is committed to supporting him during his recovery.

Keldon Johnson, the San Antonio Spurs' longest tenured player, recalls a dramatic shift in the team's atmosphere following coach Gregg Popovich's medical emergency. On November 2, 2024, Popovich suffered a mild stroke during a workout, leading to months of uncertainty for the franchise. Johnson describes the shock and fear among players as they awaited updates on their coach's health, which was deemed serious. Popovich's absence has fueled discussions about the Spurs' future as they navigate a new reality without their legendary leader at the helm.

The Spurs have since made significant moves, including trading for All-NBA guard De'Aaron Fox and the emergence of Victor Wembanyama as a generational talent, though his season was cut short due to injury. Meanwhile, assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in as interim head coach as Popovich focused on recovery. Despite the struggles, players like Johnson and Fox have reflected on Popovich's influence and the legacy he has built within the organization, emphasizing the importance of his presence in the locker room.

As the NBA season approaches its conclusion, player injuries continue to impact many teams, with notable names like De'Aaron Fox and Cam Thomas now out for the season. Fox will undergo surgery for a lingering pinkie ligament issue, while Thomas is sidelined due to a hamstring strain. This paves the way for Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie to step up for the Spurs and Tyrese Martin and Keon Johnson for the Nets.

Injuries aren't the only story as standout performances are lighting up the league. Stephen Curry recently made history by becoming the first player to hit 4,000 three-pointers. High-scoring efforts from players like Anthony Edwards and Quentin Grimes are also making headlines. Edwards set a franchise record for 40-point games in a season, while Grimes has shown his scoring prowess with four consecutive games of 25 points or more.

De’Aaron Fox is set to undergo season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger, a necessary step after enduring the injury since training camp while still with the Sacramento Kings. Despite his struggles, Fox managed to have standout performances, including a 32-point game against the Mavericks, highlighting his ability to play through pain. His surgery is timely, especially given the Spurs' disappointing season without Victor Wembanyama, allowing Fox to focus on recovery and building chemistry with his new teammates for the next season. With the Spurs unlikely to make the playoffs, prioritizing health over a lost season makes strategic sense.

Fox, who was traded from the Kings due to instability in the organization, is looking forward to a fresh start in San Antonio. The Spurs' future hinges on their young core, including Fox, who aims to fully heal and contribute significantly next season. While Fox's immediate focus is on recovery, the long-term implications of his surgery could transform the Spurs into a competitive force in the upcoming seasons.

De'Aaron Fox, the San Antonio Spurs guard, will undergo season-ending surgery on his left pinkie due to extensor tendon damage sustained during training with the Sacramento Kings. This decision allows Fox ample time to recover ahead of next season, ensuring that he can build chemistry with his new teammates. With San Antonio currently out of playoff contention, shutting him down seems prudent, especially after fellow star Victor Wembanyama was also ruled out for the season.

Fox was traded to San Antonio from the Kings in February, aiming to pair with Wembanyama, but they played only five games together. Their partnership shows promise, having averaged 57 points in that limited time, marking them as a potent duo. Despite the disappointing season, the Spurs look forward to next year with a healthy Fox, Wembanyama, and promising rookie Stephon Castle, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.