Gregg Popovich's recovery from a mild stroke continues to progress, but the San Antonio Spurs have ruled out his return for this season. Assistant Mitch Johnson has stepped up as the interim head coach. Popovich, who has led the Spurs to five NBA championships since 1996, will have the final say on his return for next season. His commitment remains, especially after securing the number one overall pick in the draft to select Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs have shown improvement under Johnson, with a winning percentage of .418 compared to last season's dismal .268. Wembanyama, in his second season, averaged 24.3 points and earned an All-Star selection before injury cut his season short. Additionally, rookie Stephon Castle has emerged as a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.

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.

The San Antonio Spurs suffered a significant setback as De'Aaron Fox has been ruled out for the entire NBA season due to an upcoming surgery on his left fifth finger. This comes after the team previously announced that their leading scorer, Victor Wembanyama, would also miss the remainder of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder.

Fox, who joined the Spurs in a trade that saw multiple players and draft picks exchanged, will be ready for the 2025-26 season following his recovery. With Fox sidelined, Coach Gregg Popovich's return remains uncertain after he suffered a mild stroke, leaving the Spurs in a difficult position with a 27-37 record.

Currently sitting 12th in the Western Conference, the Spurs are unlikely to make the playoffs. They hold a mere 3% chance to secure the top pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.

Non-stop tales surround Gregg Popovich, especially from NBA legends like Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq recently recounted how Popovich helped him as a child by providing shoes, a gesture that solidified his admiration. O'Neal values Popovich's health over coaching, especially after the coach's mild stroke sidelined him. Popovich has officially decided to not return this season, focusing on his recovery. Speculation about his future in coaching continues, but O'Neal believes Popovich has already cemented his legacy in the sport.