Spurs release Gregg Popovich medical update after coach, 75, suffered serious health issue before game

Spurs release Popovich medical update after serious health issue

• Gregg Popovich has been absent from the sideline since earlier this month

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich recently suffered a mild stroke, the NBA franchise has announced.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Popovich would be sidelined with a health issue.

On Wednesday, the Spurs provided an update on the veteran coach's condition, revealing that the 75-year-old is expected to make a full recovery from the stroke, which occurred on November 2.

'At this point, a timeline for his return to the sidelines has not been determined,' the statement read.

'During this time, the organization is grateful to the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family.'

The team added that Popovich has already started a rehabilitation program following the medical episode.

Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been acting as the team's head coach with Popovich sidelined.

Last week, Johnson spoke to the media about Popovich's absence.

'I just want to start off by saying that Pop's impact on our organization from the players that he's coached and the staff that's worked with him in the community of San Antonio,' he said.

'It's hard to articulate or put into words, and if I tried it would not do it justice. He's been tremendous for me personally, and right now his health is the No 1 priority. We support him in that 100 percent and I talked to him last night. He's in good spirits. He's OK, and we can't wait to have him back.'

Popovich is the longest tenured coach in American sports, in the middle of his 29th season leading the Spurs.