San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will be sidelined indefinitely due to a health issue, according to reports, with assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepping in as interim coach. The 75-year-old NBA legend is reportedly “OK” but in need of rest, as confirmed by the San Antonio Express-News, citing a league source.
Popovich’s absence began Saturday, just before the Spurs’ home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Johnson, who filled in for Popovich, acknowledged, “He’s not feeling well… Everyone just has to be ready for the next man up.”
The Spurs’ two-game road trip includes matchups against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, with a return home against Portland on Thursday.
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching wins with 1,390 regular-season and 170 playoff victories, has led the Spurs to five NBA championships over his 29-year career. His indefinite absence leaves a notable void for the Spurs as they navigate the season.