Gregg Popovich‘s recent public appearance highlighted both his resilience and his vulnerability, as the legendary coach was seen struggling to walk while returning to the spotlight months after a serious stroke.
Nearly a year after being rushed to hospital, the longtime Spurs leader appeared courtside in Texas, reminding fans that his recovery remains a work in progress despite his determination to stay connected to basketball.
Gregg Popovich makes his first joke as President of Op.of the San Antonio Spurs: “I’m El Jefe”
Now 76, the most successful coach in NBA history has largely stayed out of public view, making his presence at an Austin Spurs G-League game especially emotional for supporters who feared he might never return.
Video from the H-E-B Center showed him using a walking stick while crossing the court, waving to cheering fans, shaking hands, and posing for photos, offering reassurance while also revealing visible physical limitations.
Some witnesses even claimed he offered brief guidance during the first half, suggesting that despite reduced mobility, his passion for teaching and mentoring younger players remains deeply rooted.
Popovich suffered a stroke in November 2024 and was later hospitalized after fainting at a restaurant, incidents that forced him to step away from coaching and transition into a front-office leadership role.
TMZ later released details of a 911 call in which the caller described him as a ‘guest’ who was ‘non-responding’ before changing the wording to ‘barely responding’ as medical help arrived, a frightening situation for those nearby and for fans learning of it later.
During a May press conference, Popovich also revealed a shirt reading ‘El Jefe’ and ‘Senor Popovich‘ before declaring, ‘I’m no longer coach… I’m ‘El Jefe.’
The moment reflected his humor, even as health challenges mounted and although his comeback appearance showed courage and resolve, his slow movement served as a reminder that recovery is ongoing.
San Antonio Spurs next game: Date, time, and where to watch
Popovich will be watching the San Antonio Spurs take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Frost Bank Center in Texas on January 25 as Victor Wembanyama chases down the team’s 32nd win of the campaign through 46 games.
The Spurs currently have the second-best record in the NBA behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-9) and a win will see them remain ahead of the Denver Nuggets (31-15).
