Grab a seat if you haven’t yet. Don’t fall. A major update just rocked the NBA community to its core on Tuesday morning. And it is about Gregg Popovich. The veteran HC was already under medical treatment, away from basketball indefinitely after last week’s update. While his right-hand man, Mitch Johnson, is steering the wheel of the Spurs, a concerning report went viral thanks to Shams Charania.

According to the ESPN insider’s post, “San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2.” The unthinkable had happened ahead of the franchise’s matchup against the Timberwolves. Shams further mentioned, “He is expected to make a full recovery and a timeline for return has not been determined.”

What was initially described as a health issue turned out to be a health scare, sending a wave of concern throughout the hoop community. While the latter part of the news brought some relief, fans couldn’t hold back from expressing their heartfelt support for Coach Pop.

Fans rally behind Gregg Popovich following his health news

“My heart dropped dawg,” a fan wrote. When the update came out about Popovich, the NBA community poured in their prayers. While the medical issue was unclear to many, Charania’s latest info is worse than anticipated for many, creating a panic.

Another concerned fan commented, “He needs to retire and focus on health,” in the comments of Shams’s post. At 75, Popovich isn’t getting any younger, and the sentiment about his retirement was common among many fans. In his illustrious coaching career spanning nearly six decades, Coach Pop has had success in plenty. So much so that a whole book is needed to jot down all his accomplishments, but time catches up to the best of us.

However, contrary beliefs were also there. “Unpopular Opinion,” another IG user wrote. “Don’t retire, people really decline when they stop doing things they love. See it all the time.” The valid concern about Popovich’s health is underlined by a major trend in retired people. Once a working person retires, bodily activities decrease significantly, giving rise to numerous health conditions. But this is no place for health advice and this is something left better for subject matter experts.

“Hate news like this. Get well POPS! You’re a living legend we value 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽,” a comment read. Gregg Popovich’s contribution to the game we see today is immense. His title winning sides of the 2000s, and especially in 2014, showed how the beautiful game is supposed to be played. Legends like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and guys of today like DeMar DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard, and more consider Pop to be a mentor and a father figure.

A Spurs fan wrote, “Prayers up, Pop! #GoSpursGo for life,” showing support for their HC. In his absence, Johnson has taken up the role of leading the team’s training and plays. So far, his job has not exactly been an impressive one, with a 2-5 record. And looking at the upcoming fixtures, that could get worse over the next few weeks.

For now, there’s still no information about Gregg Popovich’s return to full health, but the whole of the basketball community is praying for him, irrespective of their teams and allegiance.