Gregg Popovich not expected to return to San Antonio Spurs this year – report

• ESPN reports coach will not return this season
• Popovich, 76, suffered mild stroke in November

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, the NBA's all-time winningest coach, is not expected to return this season as he continues recovering from a mild stroke suffered in November, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The future of the 76-year-old Hall of Famer remains uncertain as the team navigates a challenging season without him.

Popovich, who has led the Spurs since 1996 and won five NBA championships, suffered the stroke on 2 November before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in as interim head coach and has since compiled a 21-27 record while leading a young Spurs squad.