Gregg Popovich, 66, has been the San Antonio Spurs head coach for 19 years, but Larry Brown believes the legendary figure was close to calling it quits back in November.
Popovich randomly missed a couple of games last November, with no real explanation until now.
His hip surgery had gone well, but there was a hiccup with a heart condition that was not unlike the atrial fibrillation that Fab Oberto had. Popovich underwent a procedure, and, after he had done everything the doctors had asked, palpitations returned.
Brown says the episode occurred during the preseason tour in Europe. That eventually culminated with Popovich missing two games in late November for a second procedure.
“I really believe he was close to retiring then,” Brown said.
Fortunately for Spurs fans, Popovich plans to coach until his contract is up, which isn’t until another four years ago.