It has been a rough week for the San Antonio Spurs. Coming out of the NBA All-Star break, the team had high hopes to see the De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama pairing in action. However, a deep vein thrombosis put Wembanyama out for the season. Now, it turns out his head coach is following suit.
In November, legendary head coach and Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke and had to take an extended leave of absence from the team. Now, it’s been made official that Popovich is not returning for the season. With many debating his future in the league, another legendary head coach, George Karl, might have given a clear hint of what lies ahead for Popovich.
George Karl Stokes Retirement Fuel for Gregg Popovich
The news first broke thanks to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania. Posting on X, Charania detailed the unfortunate news of Popovich’s return being uncertain, with the 2024-25 season out of question.
“San Antonio Spurs’ Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and his future is uncertain as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November, league sources tell ESPN.”
San Antonio Spurs' Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return this season, and his future is uncertain as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EekHlDa8NI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2025
Immediately, fans began wondering aloud if retirement was on the cards for the legendary figure. The all-time winningest coach in NBA history, Popovich has been the guiding hand of a Spurs franchise for nearly three decades, including leading them to a streak of 20 straight playoff appearances.
Popovich was also the mastermind behind the team-friendly style that most teams employ today and nurtured some of the all-time greats like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Manu Ginóbili, Tony Parker, and Kawhi Leonard, among others.
But, at 76, the physical and mental toll of the NBA might finally be getting to the 2023 Hall of Fame inductee. Whether it is peers or rivals, Popovich has been universally admired and adored. As a result, a possible hint about his future emerged from a rather unlikely source.
Karl, who was a member of the Spurs, as a player first and later as an assistant coach, coached in the NBA on and off for close to 25 years. During that timeframe, he shared many a battle with Popovich, leading to mutual admiration.
Taking to X, a site he’s usually very active on, Karl posted a photo of the two head coaches side by side with a rather telling message.
“Congrats my friend. Happy for you on moving forward!!”
Congrats my friend. Happy for you on moving forward!! pic.twitter.com/NxSspVQUMi
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) February 23, 2025
The news has yet to be made official, but all signs point to retirement for the man many consider the greatest NBA head coach of all time.
