“We don’t hear a lot from Pop, but let’s say they keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know,” highlighted by Victor Wembanyama back in mid-November- concerns about their HC’s health even kept the Spurs squad on the edge. After suffering from an initially undisclosed medical episode, it was revealed that Gregg Popovich had suffered a stroke… Since then, Mitch Johnson has taken the responsibility of leading the San Antonio side. Not seeing Coach Pop on the sidelines, after he’s done so for over two decades made us longtime fans unsettled. So, as many of them awaited an update, the 75-year-old took the initiative himself.

Earlier today, NBA reporter, Rachel Nichols put out a statement by Gregg Popovich himself! The head coach thanked the fans for supporting him throughout this period while calling the last 6 weeks an “unexpected” occurrence. Discussing his eventual return, he stated, “While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”

“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading by rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable,” the headstrong super-veteran concluded.

For the fans, receiving this update was motivational enough for them to start sending in their well-wishes.

How did fans react to Gregg’s Popovich update about his health recovery?

One social media user did not play around with words, and simply wrote, “Healing wishes to Coach Pop.”

Despite suffering from a stroke at his age, the doctors announced that Gregg Popovich would make a full recovery. But until now, a timeline for his eventual return has still not been provided. With a 13-13 win record, the Spurs are in a better situation than a season ago. However, having now lost 4 of their last 6 games, the team faces a downward spiral. In light of this, fans would want nothing more than to have the veteran coach come back and lead the team again.

Another social media user chose to send out his love to the 75-year-old. He wrote “Pop rules. All the best wishes to him and his family!”. The commenter concluded with a raised hands emoji. If someone cannot use the word “rules” to describe a person who has given 28 years of his life to a single NBA team and helped them win 5 championship titles, then what other word describes him best?

After making the revelation about the coach’s stroke, the Spurs expressed their gratefulness to “the extended community for providing privacy and space to the Popovich family.” Popovich’s wife, Erin, had passed away back in 2018. However, the HC still has his two children, Mickey and Jill, by his side. Popovich had declined to do interviews in his home a long time ago. Even his wife had declined all the media requests. Amid this privacy, it’s been hard to get an update unless the head coach gave it himself. Now, he has.

Another individual did not choose to do anything different from the previous commenters. After all, he also wrote, “Prayers for a speedy recovery #Spurs”.

In their coverage of Gregg Popovich’s recent statement, My San Antonio called the update nothing short of a ‘Christmas miracle’!

Similarly to the above commenter wishing for a ‘speedy’ recovery, one individual wrote, “Prayers up for his return asap”. With words like ‘speedy’ and ‘ASAP’, it seems that fans may have had enough of watching the Spurs continue their season without the veteran.

With a “Get well coach!” remark, another fan expressed his desire to see Popovich return to action soon. Overall, the majority of people united in their wish to see the 75-year-old back. Given the recent injury scare, however, the Spurs management will want to give Coach Pop as much time as he needs to recover. In the meantime, Mitch Johnson holds the fort and fulfills the responsibilities of his mentor.