Gregg Popovich had a well being scare just lately, as he fainted in a restaurant and needed to be hospitalized. The episode comes months after he suffered a stroke that sidelined him for many of the 2024-25 season.
Thankfully, the newest incident was minor, and he’s recovering at residence, in keeping with reviews. However the information pushed to the forefront an especially uncomfortable dialogue that may’t be averted or downplayed any longer: Is Popovich able to teaching the Spurs within the upcoming season, and if not, what’s the choice plan?
The very first thing that must be clear is that we don’t know Gregg Popovich. We’re not his associates, and our opinions don’t matter. Whereas it’s not possible to keep away from creating some degree of a parasocial relationship with a determine we’ve been watching, rooting for (and critiquing/second-guessing) for actually many years, we do not know what he’s enthusiastic about proper now. Equally, we don’t know what his docs have instructed him. We all know he suffered a stroke and he just lately fainted, however we don’t know whether or not the 2 are associated. We all know he’s the oldest NBA coach ever, however his age by itself wasn’t an obstacle earlier than. The purpose is, it’s fantastic to fret about Pop’s well-being, but when he does return to teaching, it will be silly to criticize his determination by claiming issues about somebody’s well being and vitality when we have now neither perception into their thought course of nor entry to all of the related info.
If a return does occur and Pop solely misses a handful of video games, there’s a really clear case to make about it being a internet constructive. Continuity has been one thing the Spurs have valued tremendously. When adjustments ultimately must be made, it’s usually higher to ease into them to stop a shock to the system when issues are going properly, and that’s the case in San Antonio. Regardless of the disruption brought on by Popovich’s stroke and the unlucky well being situation that sidelined Victor Wembanyama, the Silver and Black gained extra video games than final 12 months and had been inside attain of the play-in for many of the season. With the improve at level guard after the De’Aaron Fox commerce and an offseason addition or two, the playoffs must be inside grasp. Having Pop as a stabilizing pressure for the close to future would permit the rebuild to be accomplished and afford the workforce extra time to work on a plan of succession.
The issue with that choice is that it solely works underneath the best-case state of affairs. If Pop misses prolonged time, particularly at unpredictable occasions, the franchise would face a fair worse degree of disruption than only a teaching change would trigger. Having extra time to determine a succession plan can be a pleasant luxurious, however there are many worthwhile candidates accessible this offseason that could be employed by another person quickly. If a call has already been made that Mitch Johnson is his successor, Pop might preserve his place and supply him with one other 12 months of mentoring. Even then, it might be argued that giving Johnson the official title of head coach, even when Pop is closely concerned with the day-to-day decision-making, might be a greater method of projecting a way of stability going ahead.
The issues transcend this upcoming 12 months. There’s a probability Popovich might coach for a couple of extra seasons, however at some point, he’ll must step apart. It’s inevitable. If we go away sentimentality apart, which is understandably arduous to do on this scenario, it’s clear that the Popovich period is near its finish. He’s earned the privilege to exit on his personal phrases, which complicates issues, however even when he decides to return, a succession plan needs to be in place. Not mentioned tentatively, however determined. If Pop suffers one other setback through the season, what’s the subsequent step? If he retires now or in six months or a 12 months, who’s taking up? The workforce can’t be in limbo once more just because it’s uncomfortable to speak about an admittedly delicate matter.
The one method that hoping for the perfect is at present acceptable is that if the franchise totally prepares for the worst as properly. Perhaps that’s already occurred, however these discussions will take some time — and given how tight-lipped the Spurs group is, we’re unlikely to ever hear a peep about them. Pop deserves the time to determine what he desires and is definitely capable of do, however on prime of being a residing legend, he looks as if a realistic particular person that may not be insulted by the group organising contingency plans and asking him a few timeline and roadmap for the ultimate stage of his profession.
Loyalty is a advantage that San Antonio exalts and represents greater than the vast majority of franchises, however it’s arduous to think about the Spurs tiptoeing round a significant component like the way forward for the pinnacle coach place. In any case, issues shouldn’t get ugly. If Pop can come again and coach, he’ll get the prospect to take action. It’s the end result everybody ought to hope for.
Nonetheless, each period ultimately ends, and if the post-Tim Duncan years taught the franchise something, it’s this: having a transparent course in the midst of a transition, and understanding the burden of this second, is paramount. The Spurs must be ready for all times after Pop, each time that’s.
