The San Antonio Spurs aren’t having a good time in the 2024-25 NBA season. It’s not just an inconsistent season for them, but a season full of heartbreaks. Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending deep vein thrombosis is the latest addition to the franchise’s pain. But their first blow came on November 2. Head coach Gregg Popovich took himself away from the spotlight after suffering a mild stroke. Just before a home showdown with the Minnesota Timberwolves, something stirred behind the scenes.

After months away, Coach Pop finally reunited with his team—his first meeting since November. The 76-year-old is still recovering from his health dilemma and has cleared that he won’t be returning this season. Popovich expressed his gratitude towards interim HC Mitch Johnson and the team in a statement: “I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” he said. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job, and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding.”

Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst informed on The Hoop Collective podcast that Gregg Popovich’s statement has two parts and important ones. Windy noted: “One, I have decided not to return. Nobody else has decided, not my doctors, not ownership, not RC Buford, not a vote of the fans, not Victor Wembanyama, whatever. I, as team president, have decided not to return. Secondly, while he certainly doesn’t commit to anything, he makes it very clear he is not retiring.”

Tim MacMahon chipped in: “That, to me, was the most important part with the hope of returning to coaching in the future. That is the most important part. It makes it clear that, as far as Pop is concerned, the plan is that he will continue as the coach of the San Antonio Spurs. I presume, next season. But very clearly. This is not Pop riding off into the sunset.” 

What does this mean for the Spurs and Gregg Popovich? Well, first, the legend isn’t leaving the franchise, or rather retiring. No, not yet! But at the same time, his absence has put the San Antonio Spurs in an interesting position. The HC has somewhat made it clear that he wants to continue. The organization has to have been thinking about what it’s going to do. And now it’s making it clear that he wants to continue coaching. And so the Spurs don’t have a choice, assuming that he remains in the president’s job and has the ultimate say.

Meanwhile, Gregg Popovich’s desire to coach Victor Wembanyama would most likely bring the 76-year-old back on the sidelines. In 2023, Wemby signed a 5-year extension contract. The logic and hope were simple: “I’m going to be the coach of the foreseeable future. Don’t be looking at my job, Victor. I’m going to be your coach,” Windy said about Popovich’s plan. However, Coach Pop’s absence from the team has considerably hurt their dreams of making it to the playoffs this time. But most importantly, some fresh revolving around Wemby has shown up.

Amidst Gregg Popovich’s update, Spurs seek a new face after Wemby’s injury

The San Antonio Spurs are locking in Bismack Biyombo for the rest of the season, as reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes. After his second 10-day contract expired, the team wasted no time securing the veteran center. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Biyombo’s presence in the paint has become invaluable. His consistent performance and defensive toughness earned him an extended stay.

Since joining the Spurs, Biyombo has made an immediate impact. Starting in all five games, he averaged 6.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field. Even more, he recorded back-to-back double-doubles during that stretch. With Victor Wembanyama out, Biyombo’s steady play will be crucial as San Antonio pushes through the remainder of the season.

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Thus, the San Antonio Spurs face a challenging season marked by setbacks on and off the court. Gregg Popovich’s health issues and absence have left a leadership void, but his intention to return offers hope for the future. Meanwhile, Bismack Biyombo’s position on the team amidst Wemby’s absence could play an important role in the upcoming games. As the Spurs navigate these turbulent times, all eyes remain on Popovich’s potential comeback and Wembanyama’s rising influence.