Gregg Popovich remains in contact with the Spurs while rehabbing from stroke

Yesterday at 05:00 PM

Even at home, Pop is still watching and giving advise to his players and staff.

The San Antonio Spurs are at the midway point of the 2024-25 season, and only 5 of their 41 games have been played with longtime head coach Gregg Popovich at the helm after he suffered what would later be reported as a minor stroke prior to their November 2 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has been rehabbing ever sense, releasing a statement back in December about his progress and thanking everyone for the support.

In no small part because the Spurs are under heavy spotlight as they prepare to play two games against the Indiana Pacers in Paris, there have been plenty of questions about his status from the media this. Spurs CEO RC Buford emphasized that while Pop has been resilient and still plans to return to the sideline, a timeline is not yet in place.

"All I can share is he's attacking his rehab in a way that ... you know Pop, you've observed him for years. The same resilience that he's shown over the course of our career as a coach, he's approaching his return in his rehab in an incredibly unique way. The relationships that he had with our former players and the care that they're sharing with him is amazing. And his improvement continues. I don't know that we have any way to judge the clock. Predicting what's to come is just a function of where Pop's rehab goes."

As he has confirmed before, acting head coach Mitch Johnson reiterated that he is in constant contact with Pop, who watches the games, gives him coaching advice, praise, and even a little classic Pop cussin'.

Chris Paul, who was attracted to the Spurs in part because of the opportunity to play for Pop, also revealed he speaks with him after games and receives advice, which he feels is something Pop doesn't have to do but does anyway, showing he's still engaged from afar and cares about his players.

Obviously the Spurs miss Pop in every way, both on and off the court, but if there is one place off it he at least as a little help, it's Victor Wembanyama filling in as dinner expert while the team is in Paris. As Tre Jones explained to The Athletic after Wemby took them to L'atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile:

"I think that's something Pop may have had us do if he were here. I think that was really the only difference (between this dinner form Wemby and the usual Pop dinners). The food was definitely French, but it was amazing, and then just the hospitality Victor showed, only being 21, obviously he's very mature beyond his years, but the hospitality and also the appreciation he showed us just for being here with him, he was so thankful to us.

"He showed us a great time — that was definitely one of the best meals I've ever had."

Everyone wants Pop back at some point, but when is something that only he and his doctors can make. In the meantime, the Spurs will chugging along as they look to get out of their January slump, where they've lost six of their last seven games, and back on track. Hopefully that begins tomorrow in Paris in front Wemby's hometown fans.