Gregg Popovich speaks out after stroke, Spurs await coaching legend’s return
The 75-year-old coach thanks fans and jokes about his rehabilitation progress as he continues recovery.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg PopovichAP Photo
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a mild stroke in early November. The 75-year-old NBA legend, who has been absent from the sidelines for over six weeks, issued a heartfelt statement on Monday through the Spurs‘ official social media channels.
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich shared. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.”
La imagen deportiva del año: Popovich le pide a su afición que deje de abuchear a Kahwi Leonard
Popovich expressed gratitude toward the Spurs organization, friends, and the wider NBA community, whose support has poured in since news of his health scare surfaced.
Classic Popovich humor emerges during recovery
While his message struck a sincere tone, Popovich couldn’t resist including a dose of his trademark wit.
No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process,” he wrote. “They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.
Despite his lighthearted humor, Popovich did not provide an official timeline for his return to coaching duties. Spurs fans, however, remain hopeful that their legendary leader will make his way back to the bench soon.
Spurs navigate without their leader
Popovich, who has led the Spurs since 1996 and secured five NBA championships during his tenure, remains one of the most respected figures in basketball history. Under his leadership, San Antonio has enjoyed decades of consistent success, including an impressive 1,401-834 regular-season record.
This season, the Spurs have struggled in his absence, posting a 13-13 record and currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference standings. They remain one game behind both the Lakers and Clippers, who hold the final Play-In Tournament spots.
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Assistant coaches have stepped up during Popovich’s absence, but the Spurs faithful know the team isn’t quite the same without the Hall of Fame-bound coach at the helm.
A return on the horizon?
While Popovich continues his recovery, his statement reassures fans of his determination to return. For now, the basketball world eagerly awaits the return of one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, hoping to see Popovich back on the sidelines where he belongs.
Caitlin Clark and Tyrese Haliburton spark unexpected connection that stole the spotlight at the Indy Classic
Caitlin and Tyrese give something to talk about
Caitlin Clark / Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton were spotted sharing moments in the stands during the thrilling matchup between Wisconsin and Butler in the Indy Classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But it wasn’t just the outcome of the game that captured attention, it was the surprising presence of these two basketball figures from both the WNBA and NBA that left fans wondering about this unexpected connection.
The game, in which Butler fell 83-74 to Wisconsin, was a spectacle for college basketball fans. However, the attention was divided between the action on the court and the reactions of Clark and Haliburton from the stands. Their joint appearance sparked a wave of speculation and commentary on social media, with many praising Clark for his continued support of college athletics and Haliburton for his connection to basketball’s roots.
Wisconsin breaks its losing streak
The matchup at the Indy Classic marked the end of a difficult streak for Wisconsin, which was coming off three straight losses. The No. 20 Badgers (9-3, 0-2 Big Ten) finally showed the level that led them to an undefeated start to the season. Although the Bulldogs struggled mightily, Wisconsin’s solid performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse allowed them to secure a historic win in their matchup against Butler.
The game was not only a breather for the Badgers, who are now looking to keep pace on neutral courts, but also a reminder of the fervor and passion that college basketball continues to generate.
Caitlin Clark: From the court to the red carpet
But Caitlin Clark didn’t just shine in the stands at the Indy Classic. This week, the Indiana Fever player stole the spotlight when she was recognized as TIME magazine’s Athlete of the Year. During the “A Year in TIME” gala dinner in New York, Clark dazzled in a custom black Prada gown, cementing her place as an icon not only in sports, but also in fashion and culture.
Clark, who had a standout rookie season in the WNBA averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, has proven to be a force both on and off the court. From her historic campaign with the Indiana Fever to her recent recognition, Caitlin continues to raise the standard for women’s basketball and the sport in general.
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From the stands of the Indy Classic to the exclusive red carpets, Caitlin Clark continues to leave an indelible mark. Her ability to inspire, whether with her commanding presence on the court or her style off the court, cements her status as a generational talent and a source of pride for all sports fans.
As the world awaits her return to the WNBA in 2025, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark will continue to redefine what it means to be a star.
