Gregg Popovich is not expected to return to the San Antonio Spurs bench for the remainder of the season, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday.

Popovich suffered a mild stroke at the team facility on Nov. 2 and has not been coaching since. In his absence, Mitch Johnson, a longtime Spurs assistant, has taken over. The Spurs currently hold a 24-30 record, ranking 12th in the Western Conference (21-27 under Johnson).

This news follows an announcement that franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

The Spurs recently acquired guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings just before the NBA trade deadline, hoping that the combination of Fox and Wembanyama would guide them to their first playoff appearance since 2019.

Popovich, 76, has been pivotal in leading the Spurs to five NBA Championships over 28 seasons. Although he has expressed a desire to return and is expected to make a full recovery, the uncertainty regarding his future remains according to reports.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.