Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich held an emotional in-person meeting Thursday with San Antonio Spurs players, who were all able to see him for the first time since his stroke in November, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
After the meeting, Popovich issued a statement saying he officially will not return as coach this season but hopes to return in the future.
"I've decided not to return to the sidelines this season," Popovich said in a statement issued Thursday. "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.