Gregg Popovich made a rare and emotional public appearance on January 23, receiving a standing ovation from fans at an Austin Spurs G League game in Texas. The 76-year-old Hall of Fame coach attended the matchup against the Capital City Go-Go at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park.
Video shared on social media captured Popovich walking across the court with a cane as the crowd rose to its feet, applauding and cheering in a show of deep respect. The moment marked one of his first public outings in nearly a year and underscored the enduring admiration he commands throughout the basketball world.
Popovich’s appearance comes after a challenging period marked by health setbacks that largely kept him out of the public eye. In November 2024, he suffered a mild stroke that required hospitalization and rehabilitation.
He was hospitalized again in April 2025 after fainting at a restaurant in San Antonio, with TMZ Sports reporting at the time that he sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Coach Pop got an ovation at the Austin Spurs G-League game ❤️🥹
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 25, 2026
(via hispanosatx/ig) pic.twitter.com/TtjRG3dtqi
Popovich, who won five NBA titles with the Spurs, was last seen publicly at a press conference in May 2025 introducing Mitch Johnson as the team’s new head coach.
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The Spurs had earlier confirmed that his mild stroke occurred on 2 November 2024, at the Frost Bank Center. The organization noted that he had already begun a rehabilitation program and was expected to make a full recovery.
Despite those challenges, Popovich has remained involved with basketball behind the scenes, and his warm reception Friday served as a powerful reminder of his lasting impact on the sport and the affection fans continue to hold for him.
Gregg Popovich’s Transition From Coaching To Executive Leadership
Following a series of hospitalizations, the San Antonio Spurs announced in May 2025 that Gregg Popovich would step down as head coach to assume the role of president of basketball operations.
Reflecting on the decision, Popovich said in a May 2 statement: “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach. I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community, and city that are so meaningful to me.”
During his recovery, Popovich frequently expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. In December 2024, he wrote on X: “This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”
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Popovich’s appearance at the Austin Spurs game underscores his continued engagement with the organization and his steady return to public life. In his role as president of basketball operations, he remains a key architect of the Spurs’ strategy and personnel decisions, while staying deeply connected to the San Antonio basketball community.
Fans, players, and colleagues alike greeted him warmly, a testament to the enduring influence and respect he has earned over his decades-long NBA career.
