San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich Out Indefinitely Due to Health Issue

When the San Antonio Spurs secured the No. 1 pick in 2023, it was all but certain they’d draft the transcendent Victor Wembanyama. At 74, with the Spurs not in top contention, many NBA fans and executives questioned what head coach Gregg Popovich would do next. In response, the legendary coach committed to a five-year extension to develop what could be his third generational big man.

This time, that player is a 7’3″ phenom with guard-like skills and the potential to be one of the greatest in NBA history, even though he won’t turn 21 until January. Still, as Popovich ages, there were concerns about how long he could handle the intense schedule and grind of the NBA. Unfortunately, those concerns became real when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Popovich suffered a “health issue” before Saturday’s game. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson is expected to step in as interim coach for their games against the Clippers on Monday and the Rockets on Wednesday.

Johnson learned he’d be coaching Saturday about two and a half hours before tip-off and led the team to a 113-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Four-year guard Keldon Johnson had his best game off the bench, leading the team with 25 points and eight rebounds. Wishing Coach Pop a speedy recovery, but if Johnson’s success continues, he may become a highly sought-after head coach candidate in the offseason.