Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has expressed optimism that head coach Gregg Popovich, currently sidelined with an undisclosed health issue, will rejoin the team imminently.
After leading the Spurs to a 118-105 win over the Blazers on Thursday, Wemby was asked if he had spoken to Popovich since the legendary coach suffered a health scare last Saturday.
“We don’t hear a lot from Pop, but they keep us informed as much as we’re allowed to know,” Wemby told reporters. “So, I’m not worried about him. I know he’s going to come back soon. But, no, we’re not talking to him directly that much.”
The French phenom praised interim coach Mitch Johnson for “doing a great job” in his fourth game in charge of the team in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs are 2-2 under Johnson, which includes an impressive 113-103 win over the Timberwolves.
Johnson also provided an update on Popovich, disclosing details of their most recent conversation. The interim coach said Popovich is “doing good” but doesn’t know definitively how long he’ll remain sidelined.
“We’ve been talking,” Johnson said. “I’ve had my hands full with this, trying to stay above water. So, have not talked details [about his health] and I’m not sure about anything.”
Earlier this week, Johnson told ESPN’s Michael C. Wright that Popovich is “at home and resting” and “is in good spirits.”
The Spurs (4-5) are trying to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season. They are set to get a huge boost in that endeavor as Devin Vassell, their second-leading scorer last season, will return from a foot injury this weekend. Vassell will make his season debut against the Blazers on Saturday, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
