Spurs’ Popovich will not return this season after stroke

Gregg Popovich, the coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has announced that he will not play on the sidelines this year after suffering a moderate stroke in November.

The 76-year-old suffered a stroke on 2 November at the team’s arena before a home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since taking over as Popovich’s assistant coach in Popovich’s absence, assistant Mitch Johnson has helped the NBA team to a 22-30 record.

“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season”, Popovich said on Thursday.

The players’ resolve and professionalism, which Millie Johnson and his staff displayed, helped them persevere despite a difficult season, are outstanding.

I have the intention of continuing to concentrate on my health while aspiring to return to coaching.

Popovich, who has coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, is the oldest coach in NBA history.

He is the league’s all-time leader in victories with 1, 390 regular season wins and another 170 post-season triumphs.