Gregg Popovich's return as coach of the San Antonio Spurs this season seems uncertain.
About two and a half hours before the Spurs' home game against Minnesota last Saturday, Popovich experienced an unexplained medical crisis.
Popovich was "not feeling well," according to San Antonio interim head coach Mitch Johnson, who would not go into any detail about what had transpired hours before.
Since then, Popovich has missed three games, including Thursday's matchup against Portland at home.
Johnson was unable to respond when asked whether there was any certainty that Popovich will return this season.
"I think he's doing well," Johnson stated on Thursday. "We have been conversing. Trying to keep afloat has taken up a lot of my time. Therefore, I haven't discussed anything, and I'm unsure about anything."
Although the players haven't spoken to Popovich much, Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama stated that they anticipate his return shortly.
Wembanyama remarked following the Spurs' 118-105 victory over the Blazers, "We don't hear a lot from Pop." They provide us with as much information as is permitted. I'm not concerned about him, then. I have no doubt that he will return shortly.
Popovich, who is 75 years old, is the oldest coach in NBA history. In 2020, he broke the previous record set by Hubie Brown, who was 71 at the time of his last game as Memphis' head coach.
With 1,390 wins and an additional 170 postseason victories, Popovich holds the NBA's career record and has won five NBA championships. He has played with San Antonio for all 29 of his seasons.