Mitch Johnson, assistant coach of Gregg Popovich who will take over as interim coach in his absence, gave reassuring news of the legendary Spurs coach, who is suffering. “He’s fine,” he assured.
Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs indicated Monday that they would play their next two matches without their emblematic coach Gregg Popovich, announced ill, but who “is doing well” assured the interim coach. “Gregg Popovich will not travel with the team to Los Angeles and Houston,” the Spurs, who face the Clippers on Monday evening then the Rockets on Wednesday, said in a statement without further details. Popovich, aged 75, was already absent on Saturday for San Antonio’s success against Minnesota (113-103).
“Morale is good, it will get better”
According to broadcaster ESPN, Popovich suffered a “health problem before Saturday’s match” and will be replaced as head of the team by his assistant Mitch Johnson “for an indefinite period.”
“He’s fine,” Mitch Johnson assured Monday just before the meeting. “It is impossible to put into words the impact he has had on the franchise, the players he has coached, the coaches he has trained, and the city of San Antonio,” Johnson added, saying that “his health is priority number one”. “I was able to talk to him last night, his morale is good. He’s going to get better. He’s doing well, and we can’t wait to get past this moment.”
The most experienced coach in the league, Gregg Popovich is in his 29th season at the helm of Spurs, who he has led to five league titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014), including 4 with French leader Tony Parker .
