Let’s talk legendary NBA coaches, but skip one name. Not because he does not belong, but because everyone already knows he does. For decades, Gregg Popovich led the San Antonio Spurs with unmatched command, collecting wins, titles, and respect. Popovich, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, had just inked a five-year extension a couple of years ago, signaling he wasn’t done building. But life had other plans—momentarily. Though briefly sidelined, the five-time NBA champion remains closely involved with the team, offering mentorship and insight from behind the scenes as the Spurs enter the Wembanyama era. Then, in November 2024, things changed. He suddenly stepped away. At first, the team called it a health issue. Later, it came out that he had suffered a mild stroke.

Unfortunately, Shams Charania’s report stirred the pot on Friday and sent a wave of concern through the basketball world. According to officials, a call came in Tuesday night for an elderly man who had fainted at dinner. Moments later, an ambulance rushed San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich from the local restaurant.

Coach Pop made a public announcement in February 2025 after staying away from the world for four months. He informed everyone that he wouldn’t come back in the ongoing season; he recovering. But most importantly, he said he wasn’t going anywhere. There was hope that Gregg Popovich would return to the sidelines next season. But now, once again, things look bleak.

The news spread like wildfire. Soon, fans rushed in, spreading across social media to find out what’s going on. Disheartened by the news of Pop’s health update, the basketball world came together to send prayers and good wishes for a fast recovery.

NBA community urges Gregg Popovich to step down after years of contributing to the NBA

One of the fans commented: “Retire, my boy. Going down as one of the best coaches of all time through multiple eras. You have nothing left to prove but health and happiness.” Well, let’s see what records Gregg Popovich holds. He took control of the Spurs in 1996, and since then until 2014, he built a dynasty. Five championships and a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Is there anything Pop’s yet to achieve? Hell no!

“Praying for him and his family,” another fan wrote on X. Surely, this is a tough time for the 76-year-old icon’s family. Even for the San Antonio Spurs, who’ve been a family, are going through a rough patch, only hoping that Gregg comes back healed and fierce like before.

Amidst everything, the most common comments were: “He needs to retire 😭😭 prayers for him!”, “Respectfully, he needs to retire, this is getting scary”, “man pop needs to just retire or move up into the front office”. Moving Gregg Popovich to the Spurs front office sounds like a smart move, but his full return to the league currently seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, a fan remarked, “Thank god he’s fine 🙏.” After the second medical emergency, reports suggest that Popovich returned home, stable and doing fine. This is a huge relief, given that his first health scare was the mild stroke in November.

For now, the league breathes a sigh of relief. Coach Pop is home, stable, and surrounded by support. Yet, with each scare, the calls for retirement grow louder. Maybe it is time not to step away from the game, but to step into a new role with the same greatness.