The longtime head coach of the San Antonio Spurs suffered the medical episode Nov. 2 and has been away from the team.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich released a statement Monday to give an update on his recovery.
Popovich has been away from the team since early November after suffering what the team has called a “mild stroke.”
“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” he said in his statement. “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.”
Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been leading the team in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs have exceeded expectations this season, hovering around .500 after a 22-win season last year.
Popovich said he’s eager to get back, and his medical team may be even more ready, he joked.
“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 said.
A timeline for Popovich’s return to the sidelines has not been determined.
“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,” he said. “We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”
Popovich is the NBA’s leader with 1,390 coaching wins and five NBA titles. He is in his 29th season and has won three NBA Coach of the Year awards.
>>WATCH: Brian Wright’s November news conference: