"We're not talking to him directly": Victor Wembanyama breaks silence on communication with Gregg Popovich amid coach's health scare

San Antonio Spurs emerging superstar Victor Wembanyama said the team has not been in direct contact with coach Gregg Popovich since he left indefinitely due to an undisclosed health issue. However, he mentioned that the Spurs are being provided information on the coach's condition.

Discussing Popovich's situation, the towering big man from France said that while they are given updates on the 75-year-old tactician's health, they're respecting his need for privacy.

According to San Antonio journalist Tom Orsborn on X (formerly Twitter), Victor Wembanyama said:

"We don't hear a lot from Pop, but let's say they keep us informed as much as we're allowed to know. 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."

Popovich, who has been coaching the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, reportedly suffered an undisclosed medical issue ahead of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 2. He has since been rendered out with no official timeline set for his return. In his absence, Mitch Johnson is handling the team in an interim capacity.

The Spurs started their season with a 4-5 record, with Victor Wembanyama leading the way with averages of 18.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 1.2 steals in 30 minutes per game.

Gregg Popovich excited for Victor Wembanyama in second NBA season

Before his health issue, coach Gregg Popovich expressed excitement over Victor Wembanyama's development, especially for his sophomore leap. He said he liked what he saw from the French big man during his stint with the national team in the Paris Olympics.

During last month's media day, Popovich highlighted how he saw a significant improvement in the 20-year-old's game.

The coach said (via Sports Illustrated):

"His aggressiveness was the big thing. He understands what it takes -- what he's going to get, and what he's got to give. Victor was great. He improved steadily throughout the Olympics and was very formidable."

At the Olympics this summer, where he helped host France finish with a silver medal, Victor Wembanyama finished with averages of 15.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.0 spg and 1.7 bpg. He was named to the tournament's All-Star Five, joining MVP LeBron James and Steph Curry (U.S.A.), Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Dennis Schroder (Germany).

In his rookie campaign last season, he wound up with norms of 21.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 3.6 bpg and 1.2 spg in 71 games en route to winning the Rookie of the Year award.