Gregg Popovich’s recovery from a mild stroke has caused former San Antonio Spurs guard Jack McClinton to offer heartfelt support to his former coach. McClinton praised Popovich’s resilience and unparalleled legacy in basketball when talking about him.

“Pop is one of the best coaches of all time,” McClinton said. “If he could be out here right now, he would. Huge prayers go to Pop. He’s going to come back better than ever. He’ll come back ready.”

The 75-year-old Hall of Fame coach, who has led the Spurs to five NBA championships and holds the league’s all-time win record, suffered a stroke on November 2 at the Frost Bank Center. The team confirmed the medical episode last Wednesday and said that Popovich has already started a rehabilitation program and is expected to recover completely. His return to coaching hasn’t been scheduled yet.

A Void Felt Across the Spurs Organization

According to Spurs General Manager Brian Wright, Popovich’s absence had a significant effect.

“Coach Pop has been the leader of this organization for the last three decades,” Wright said. “He has a presence and leadership that you feel every day. Not having him here creates a void. And we miss him.”

Popovich’s leadership has been crucial to the Spurs’ success since his 1996 appointment as head coach, leading the team to 22 playoff appearances and building a culture of excellence and unity. His contributions are not limited to the Spurs; he also aided Team USA in winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Even with Mitch Johnson taking over as acting head coach, the team is still committed to maintaining Popovich’s philosophy.

“Mitch has been great,” Stephon Castle said. “Even when Pop was here, he’s always had a voice in our huddles and our locker room. Our philosophies haven’t changed.”

Understanding Stroke Recovery

Popovich’s health scare is a reminder of the seriousness of strokes, which happen when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Speech difficulties, memory loss, and paralysis are all complications that strokes can cause. According to the CDC, strokes were the fourth most common cause of death in the United States. In 2023, there will be approximately half a million Americans who will encounter one every year.

Although Popovich’s condition is private, team officials, including Wright, have expressed their confidence in his recovery.

“He’s tough, he’s a fighter, and he’s going to work,” Wright said. “We’re all here for him.”

A Legacy of Unmatched Leadership

Popovich’s 29-year tenure with the Spurs is one of the longest and most successful coaching runs in NBA history, only matched by legendary figures like Tom Landry and Curly Lambeau in other major U.S. sports leagues. sports. His influence on the Spurs and basketball as a whole is indescribable. Besides his success on the court, Popovich has also been a mentor, philosopher, and advocate for social justice, displaying values that go beyond the game.

The Spurs are relieving on the resilience and unity instilled by their iconic coach as the team continues to navigate this challenging period. “It’s exactly what Coach Pop would want us to do,” Wright said. “It’s on all of us to play our part, support one another, and be there for him.”

McClinton and the Spurs organization are sending thoughts and prayers to Gregg Popovich, as the basketball world awaits his return to the sidelines.