First and foremost, get well soon, Pop.

We eagerly await your return to the sidelines, coaching the San Antonio Spurs in the way we admire.

Gregg Popovich experienced a mild stroke before the Spurs faced Minnesota on November 2, according to a news release from the team on Wednesday.

The team mentioned that Popovich has “already begun a rehabilitation program and is expected to recover fully. However, a timeline for his return to coaching has yet to be set.”

Take all the time you need, Pop. We look forward to your comeback, but only when you are medically cleared and feeling ready.

The Spurs, the entire NBA, and the game itself will still be here when you’re ready to come back. There will even be a sideline reporter eagerly waiting to ask you a question during a timeout.

Only a few teams can effectively handle the absence of a legendary coach, and the Spurs are one such organization, committed to continuity and stability from their leadership.

The Holt family has been the majority owner of the Spurs for nearly thirty years. RC Buford, the CEO of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, joined the team in 1988, took a brief leave in 1992, returned in 1994, and has held various positions ever since, totaling 34 years with the franchise.

Buford and Popovich, who is now in his 29th season as head coach and holds the record for most wins in NBA history, have established a model that other teams aspire to replicate.

Assistant coach Brett Brown, who has been with the Spurs since 1998 and is currently in his second term during his fifteenth season, has been part of four championship-winning teams. Acting coach Mitch Johnson is also stepping in during Popovich’s absence and is in his ninth season with the team. General Manager Brian Wright is also completing his ninth year, while Dave Telep serves as Vice President of Basketball Operations in his twelfth season, and director of collegiate scouting George Felton has been with the Spurs since 2006.

There are more long-standing staff members, such as head trainer Will Sevening, who was hired in 1998, and team physician David R. Schmidt, who has been with the organization for 32 seasons.

The Spurs might have even more long-term staff, but their exceptional working conditions often lead to their team’s members getting hired by other organizations.

That said, Pop’s absence will surely be felt in numerous ways, including his renowned team dinners. However, the team will continue to operate efficiently.

The Spurs have concrete plans for both the team and individual players, and the coaches who have worked closely with Popovich will manage to implement those strategies. While it won’t quite be the same as hearing it directly from Popovich, players like second-year star Victor Wembanyama understand that the guidance comes from him.

It’s also likely that Popovich will be watching from a distance and sending instructions to his players and coaching staff.

So once again, get well, Pop. We’ll be here, patiently waiting for your return.