San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, 75, is on the road to recovery after suffering a mild stroke, as confirmed by the organization in a statement released on Wednesday. The team announced that Popovich has begun a rehabilitation program and is “expected to make a full recovery,” though no timeline has been given for his return.

In Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson will step into the role of interim head coach. Johnson, a member of the Spurs‘ coaching staff since 2019, now shoulders the responsibility of leading the team as the iconic coach focuses on his health.

Players struggle with emotional aftermath

The stroke, which occurred a couple of weeks ago, reportedly had a profound emotional impact on the Spurs‘ players. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, witnessing their coach’s health episode in real-time left several players “traumatized.”

Obviously, a very serious health situation,” Charania noted. “It was a traumatic moment for them, seeing Popovich go through that.

Despite the serious nature of the incident, Popovich has reportedly reassured the team that he is doing well and urged them not to worry about him.

A Hall of Fame legacy in jeopardy?

Popovich, who has led the Spurs for 29 seasons and secured five NBA championships, remains a cornerstone of the organization. While rumors of his retirement have circulated in recent years, the coach opted to extend his tenure by signing a five-year, $80 million contract in 2023.

With his extensive contributions to the team’s success and his dual role as president of basketball operations, Popovich’s health scare raises questions about the future of his legendary career.

For now, the Spurs-and the broader NBA community-remain hopeful for his recovery, with players and fans alike rallying behind the beloved coach. As Popovich works through his rehabilitation, all eyes are on the Spurs‘ resilience under Johnson‘s leadership and the impact of this emotional chapter on the team’s performance moving forward.