Victor Wembanyama says Spurs hope Gregg Popovich returns soon

SAN ANTONIO — Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said he and his teammates expect Gregg Popovich to return soon after a health issue caused the veteran coach to miss four games, including Thursday’s win by the night 118-105 over the Portland Trail Blazers.

“We didn’t hear much from Pop,” Wembanyama said after the game. “They keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know. So I’m not worried about him. I know he’ll be back soon.”

Popovich experienced an undisclosed medical episode last Saturday, about two and a half hours before the Spurs’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. San Antonio interim head coach Mitch Johnson said at the time that Popovich was “not feeling well,” but did not elaborate on what happened hours earlier.

When asked Thursday night if there was any clarity about Popovich returning this season, Johnson couldn’t give an answer but said Popovich is “doing well.”

“We’ve been talking,” Johnson said. “I’ve had my hands full with this, trying to stay afloat. So I haven’t talked about details and I’m not sure about anything.”

Popovich, 75, is the oldest coach in NBA history. In 2020, he surpassed Hubie Brown’s previous mark (71) in his final game as Memphis’ head coach.

Popovich is the NBA career leader with 1,390 wins and another 170 postseason wins with five NBA titles. He is in his 29th season, all with San Antonio.