Spurs coach Popovich may not return this season after stroke: report

Los Angeles, United States, 23 Feb  - San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is not expected to return to the bench this season after suffering a stroke in November, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Popovich, the NBA's all-time leader in wins, has not appeared on the Spurs bench since suffering what the team later described as a mild stroke on November 2.

The 76-year-old NBA icon said in December he was working towards a return to work this season.

However ESPN, citing league sources, reported on Saturday that Popovich was now not expected to play any further part in San Antonio's campaign. The report added that Popovich's long-term future in the league was "uncertain."

Spurs officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Popovich, the oldest coach in NBA history, has 1,390 regular-season wins and another 170 post-season triumphs.

He has guided the Spurs to five NBA titles in his 29 seasons at the helm.

In a statement in December, Popovich thanked fans and colleagues for the support he has received, and joked that Spurs rehabilitation staff were desperate for him to return to coaching.

"No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process," said Popovich, who is famous for his grit and grumpiness. "They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable.

"As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we've received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way."

ESPN's report on Saturday comes after a tumultuous week for San Antonio, who announced on Thursday that French star Victor Wembanyama would play no further part in the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.BSS