San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich released a statement Monday after being sidelined from the team last month.
The 75-year-old has been away from the NBA team since the beginning of last month after he suffered a stroke on November 2.
The coach broke his silence Monday, thanking the franchise and fans for their support over the past few weeks.
‘This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,’ Popovich said in a statement shared by the Spurs.
‘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. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.
‘No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.’
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke on November 2
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been acting as the team’s head coach throughout Popovich’s absence.
After news broke of Popovich’s serious health issue, the team announced that he had begun a rehabilitation program and was expected to make a full recovery.
Popovich is the longest tenured coach in American sports, in the middle of his 29th season leading the Spurs.
A widower and father of two, Popovich lost his wife Erin in 2018, but has remained in charge in San Antonio, where he’s reached icon status.
Popovich is a five-time champion who helped to turn the Spurs into one of the NBA’s most dominant teams of the post-Jordan era.
Popovich, a Hall of Famer, has been quick to credit his success to now-retired NBA legend Tim Duncan.
