Spurs and Clippers send well wishes to ill Gregg Popovich, emphasizing their eagerness for his return.
This remarkable physical achievement in the NBA often goes unnoticed.
It’s not about Steph Curry’s deep three-pointers, Kevin Durant’s shot creation, or LeBron James defying age at 39.
Instead, the spotlight should shine on Gregg Popovich, who continues to coach the San Antonio Spurs at the impressive age of 75. He made history in 2020 as the oldest coach in NBA history, surpassing Hubie Brown, who was 71 during his tenure with Memphis at the start of the 2004-05 season.
Even four years later, he remains a guiding force for the team, a remarkable achievement that often goes unnoticed. This was brought to light recently when it was announced that he would be out indefinitely due to an unspecified health issue.
“He is okay,” stated Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson, who is stepping in as interim head coach. “He will be okay. And we can’t wait to have him back.”
When asked about the duration of Popovich’s absence, Johnson remained tight-lipped.
“I’m not at liberty to speak on that,” he said. “I don’t know enough information to even try to put something out there like that.”
It’s clear that the demands of an NBA season take a toll, even on some of the fittest athletes. With travel schedules that can lead teams to three cities in four nights, the physical strain is significant. Despite the convenience of charter flights, the exhausting nature of an 82-game season can wear anyone down, including those in their teens.
Popovich has been at the helm of the Spurs for an impressive 29 years. While LeBron James has played for 22 seasons, Popovich has led the Spurs to an NBA record-tying 22 consecutive playoff appearances.
A five-time championship coach, Popovich had hinted at retirement following Tim Duncan’s departure from the game. Duncan bid farewell to Spurs fans eight years ago, yet Popovich continues to make headlines.
Renowned for his tactical brilliance, Popovich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. However, his influence extends beyond the court; he is vocal on social issues, racism, and politics, often speaking out for what he believes is right, regardless of potential backlash.
“He’s one guy who we follow and we listen to,” remarked Clippers coach Ty Lue.
Popovich would likely have encouraged everyone to vote on Tuesday. His criticism of Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump is well-known, having referred to him as “pathetic” and “a whiner.” Regardless of political views, his silence during such a pivotal moment was telling.
While Popovich remains passionate about social issues, he has softened his coaching style over the years. He humorously noted during his Hall of Fame induction that if he coached Tony Parker today as he did when Parker was 19, “I’d be in handcuffs.”
Having witnessed the Big Three of Duncan, Parker, and Manu Ginobili retire, and the departure of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, Popovich has embraced the challenge of developing younger talent. With less pressure to secure championships, he appears to have found renewed joy in coaching.
When questioned about his continued commitment to coaching, he expressed his love for the game. For him, the real joke is that people consider coaching a “real job” despite the millions he has earned.
Popovich remains engaged, focusing on his latest project: a 7-foot-3 French player predicted to become the next face of the NBA.
It’s impressive to consider that Popovich is the longest-serving active coach across all major sports leagues in the United States. His endurance is remarkable, given the mental and physical demands of professional coaching.
However, recent events remind everyone that this era won’t last forever. Whether his health issue is serious or not, and regardless of when he returns, Popovich’s contributions to the game are unparalleled.
The Spurs were aware he would be watching their game on Monday. They jumped to a 40-14 lead against the Clippers but ultimately fell short, losing 113-104 without their leader.
Before the game, Chris Paul mentioned that the players had not reached out to Popovich, preferring to give him space during this time. He acknowledged their collective sense of missing him, highlighting how Popovich emphasizes the privilege of their profession.
Despite the circumstances surrounding Popovich, Paul humorously noted that their coach would still be analyzing the game from afar.
“He’s going to let us know what he sees,” Paul stated.
