On November 2, before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich experienced a mild stroke, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Spurs reported that Popovich, age 75, has “already begun a rehabilitation program and is expected to fully recover.” However, there is currently no set timeline for his return to coaching. Meanwhile, the organization appreciates the community’s efforts to respect the Popovich family’s privacy during this time.

In Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson is stepping in as the acting coach. So far, the Spurs’ record is 5-6, with a 3-3 performance without Popovich on the sidelines.

Gregg Popovich is recognized as the NBA’s winningest coach, boasting an impressive 1,393 career victories. He has dedicated over 30 years to the Spurs franchise, including more than 28 consecutive seasons as the head coach, transforming the team into a benchmark for success in the league.

Popovich has not coached since the Spurs’ victory over Utah on October 31. He missed the next six games, starting with the match against Minnesota on November 2, due to what was initially described as an undisclosed illness.

Taking the reins in 1996 after Bob Hill, Popovich has led the Spurs for over 28 seasons. Under his guidance, the Spurs finished the 1996 season with a 17-47 record and won the draft lottery, allowing them to select Tim Duncan with the first overall pick. This pivotal move led to an era of success, culminating in five NBA championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.

His coaching career has resulted in a record of 1,393 wins to 827 losses, and he also led the USA team to a gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.