The NBA was unfortunately without Gregg Popovich for the vast majority of the 2024-25 season.
After coaching just five games, Popovich suffered a mild stroke and took the rest of the season off.
Sadly, Popovich just had a medical setback on his road to recovery.
According to TMZ, per NBACentral, Popovich was taken to the hospital on Tuesday night after fainting at a restaurant.
He was transported out on a stretcher, sought medical care, and is now stable and recovering at home.
Gregg Popovich was taken to the hospital Tuesday night after fainting at a San Antonio restaurant, per @TMZ
TMZ reports he was stretchered out and may still be feeling effects from a mild stroke suffered in November.
Prayers for Pop 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dVkL6ZBdbp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 18, 2025
All of this raises many questions about what is next for Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs.
In Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson led the team.
Popovich has visited the Spurs since his stroke and saw them after the All-Star break, but it’s not clear what will happen next year.
Reports said that Popovich was making progress, and the Spurs said they would let him decide what he wants to do.
There was hope that he’d be healthy enough to return to coaching next season, but this latest incident cast doubt on that idea.
It goes without saying that Popovich is one of the most respected and important coaches of all time.
He has been with the Spurs since the 1996-97 season and has led them to five championships.
If Popovich cannot come back to the Spurs because of his health, the team will be at a major turning point as they attempt to foster young talent like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
The Spurs want Popovich back, but above all else, they want him healthy.
They hope he can recover and return to the team soon.
NEXT: Victor Wembanyama Still Led League In Defensive Stat This Season
