Gregg Popovich releases statement, hints at return to bench

For the first time since he suffered a mild stroke before a Nov 2 game, legendary San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich released a statement.

This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. 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. 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 my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.

Popovich is clear that he wants to return to the bench, but there still is no timeline. Since Pop’s stroke, Mitch Johnson has coached the Spurs on an interim basis and the team is 11-10 in that span and is in the mix for a play-in spot in the West.

Popovich is the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, a five-time NBA champion and he coached Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. He has the clout to decide whether to return to the bench and when he might step away from the league. For now, he wants to return.