Popovich’s Dry Take on Health at Spurs Coaching Presser
Isn’t it charming when an NBA legend reminds us he’s human? Gregg Popovich resurfaced at the Spurs’ introductory press conference for rookie head coach Mitch Johnson to address a recent medical scare—and do it with his trademark deadpan wit. According to TMZ, Popovich spent a few days off the court after an undisclosed health hiccup that forced him to skip spring workouts (TMZ, May 5, 2025). ESPN’s Tim MacMahon later confirmed that the 76-year-old coach was evaluated at a local hospital but released “in stable condition,” leaving fans relieved yet vaguely unsettled.
Popovich opened the presser by quipping, “You didn’t think I was ghosting you just because I needed a few X-rays, did you?” The room cracked polite smiles; anyone who’s ever seen Popovich smile knows it’s a full-blown national event. He then pivoted to the real news: Mitch Johnson, a former Spurs assistant, takes the reins as head coach. Popovich praised Johnson’s clipboard skills and ability to memorize every player’s shoe size—attributes he claims are “crucial for late-game strategy.” One has to admire him tipping his hat to Johnson without once mentioning that he’d been sidelined.
The scrum dipped into more serious territory when Popovich acknowledged the media frenzy around coach health in pro sports. “I’ve got more miles than your favorite pickup truck,” he deadpanned, drawing laughs that masked the question everyone really wanted answered: Is Popovich planning to retire soon? Sources close to the team say he’ll monitor Johnson’s debut season from the sidelines, not from a recliner. Neither People Magazine nor The Athletic has spotted any retirement paperwork, though one could argue that Pop’s refusal to discuss his cholesterol counts as “retiring from small talk.”
By the end of the half-hour session, Popovich reminded reporters that basketball lore thrives on comebacks—be it a 25-point deficit or a minor hospital detour. He signed off by wishing Johnson luck and warning fans not to expect an NBA dynasty overnight. Well, there you have it: age, health, and a sense of humor intact. Tune in next time to see whether Johnson can coach circles around the competition—or if Popovich will be back to roast him in six months.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, ESPN, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
