San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said Thursday he will not return to the bench this season as he continues to recuperate from a stroke he suffered in November, according to a statement released by the team.

Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich won't return to the sidelines for the San Antonio Spurs this season, but hopes to "return to coaching in the future," he announced Thursday.

After suffering a mild stroke earlier this season in November, legendary head coach Gregg Popovich has not paced the sidelines for the San Antonio Spurs. In his absence, the Spurs have managed to improve from their 22-win campaign last season, although it's clear that a big part of the soul of the team is missing.