The San Antonio Spurs’ head coach, Gregg Popovich, has dealt with fresh health problems. He might not coach the team for Saturday’s game, as, assistant Mitch Johnson could take over as an interim head coach. According to Shams Charania, the Spurs will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, and Johnson will look to draw out plays.

The 5x NBA Champion, now 75, had a serious health situation before the Spurs downed the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. The team did not disclose the illness he suffered from with fans praying for a speedy recovery. One fan stated, “Praying for him,” hoping the coach returns to the sidelines soon.

Moreover, Popovich did not travel with his team for the games against Los Angeles and Houston. With Mitch at the helm, the Spurs would hope their long-term standing coach would recover soon. Entering his 29th season, he oozes class and respect, and we hope he makes a speedy recovery. The coach leads the NBA with over 1390 victories for his team, a staggering record that might stay intact for ages.

The coach slowly but steadily got his team playing basketball with players like Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul offering something for the veteran coach. With Pop at the hospital, Mitch Johnson will probably lead the team for some time now. After winning against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, Chris Paul mentioned how Johnson did a fine job, leading the team from the front.

He stated, “Mitch did a great job, man. I think our whole coaching staff [did]. Things happen within this league all the time and just like with the players, it’s next man. So, shoutout to Mitch; he did a great job tonight.” With Popovich admitted to the hospital, fans took to X to wish him a speedy recovery.

Fans react to Gregg Popovich’s health concerns

The users reacted online to show their support for the coach. One user stated, “Hope he’s okay,” with a praying emoji. The team did not give out updates regarding the health concerns following Popovich’s medical condition. Hopefully, we will get a report soon to understand the extent of his problem.

On the other hand, a user mentioned, “Prayers up for Coach Pops. Health is more important than Basketball.” In his long and illustrious career, Popovich entertained the fans with his thirst for perfect fundamental basketball. Whether you are a star or not, you play for Spurs, you pass the ball to an open man. It became the blueprint of what he did for the best part of 29 years. 

With him at the helm for a long time, fans cannot fathom a change in the head coach position. This user stated, “Coach Pop has to get better!” When a coach leads the franchise for a long time, it’s natural to feel anxious about the coach’s medical condition. You become part of the family with so many years of service and of course, the franchise adores him to bits.

“Let’s see about this Mitch guy in the next couple of weeks,” stated another fan who wants to check out Mitch Johnson’s capabilities as a coach. Even after Popovich’s recovery, the San Antonio Spurs might need to make a tough decision regarding his health concerns.

Well, nobody’s health is bigger than basketball. We hope Gregg Popovich recovers soon and gets back to his coaching role.