Gregg Popovich has made significant headway in recovering from a stroke suffered in November, but the team is still unsure of his status for next season.
ESPN reports: “Veteran Harrison Barnes said Popovich is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery. Another source said the coach has advanced in five months of rehab to the point where many who suffer strokes progress over nine months. Still, no one knows yet whether he can return to the sidelines next season, either.”
Players weren’t able to talk to the storied coach for weeks after the stroke and it was a number of months before he was able to walk and eventually stand up and speak to the team.
“It’s been pretty tough for me,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said, via ESPN. “He’s been our role model since I got here. He’s been that leader.”
He added, “He’s really shaped who I am as a young man,” Johnson said. “A lot of people think Pop is so stern. No, no, no. He’s one of the best human beings I’ve ever been around. He treats everybody really well and puts everyone before himself.”
On February 27th, Pop came in and spoke to the team. It was the first time De’Aaron Fox had seen Popovich in person since he was traded to the team on February 2nd.
“It would go from serious to laughing back to serious and laughing,” Fox told ESPN. “But he knows how to keep people engaged, and I think that’s why he’s been able to do what he does for so long. Obviously, we want him to be as healthy as possible. But I would love to be coached by Pop, for sure.”
With Pop out indefinitely, Victor Wembanyama out with blood clots and Fox out for the rest of the season due to pinkie surgery, San Antonio needs some prayers.
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