San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich held an emotional meeting with his players, marking his first in-person interaction with them since suffering a mild stroke in November. During this meeting, Popovich conveyed his decision not to return to the sidelines for the remainder of the season, a choice he made to prioritize his health. He expressed admiration for the interim coaching staff, particularly Mitch Johnson, and praised the team's professionalism during what has been a challenging season.

In his statement, Popovich acknowledged the team's resilience, saying, "Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job, and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown has been outstanding." The 76-year-old coach, who is the winningest in NBA history with 1,412 regular-season wins and five championships, indicated that while he will not return this season, he remains hopeful about his future in coaching.

The Spurs have struggled in Popovich's absence, posting a 22-30 record since his stroke. His visit comes amid other difficulties for the team, such as the announcement that star center Victor Wembanyama will also miss the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis. Wembanyama, who regards Popovich as a significant influence on his career, highlighted the coach's importance to the team, stating, "Pop isn’t just a coach or a boss; Pop is a leader." As Popovich focuses on his recovery, the Spurs will continue to navigate their season under interim guidance.