French big man Victor Wembanyama is projected to be the latest in a long line of superstars for the San Antonio Spurs. From David Robinson to Tim Duncan, Wembanyama faces some big pressure to live up to the hype and deliver on all the expectations that have been heaped on his shoulders.
But even despite being described as the best prospect since LeBron James, the Spurs don’t want Wembanyama to be like Duncan, LeBron, or any other basketball legend. As Gregg Popovich explained to the media this weekend, he just wants Victor to find his own identity instead of trying to fit in the shadow of someone who came before him.
“It is about expectations. It’s about not skipping steps, which I say often. It’s A to B to C to D in a variety of levels,” said coach Pop. “Because of all the hype, he’ll have a target on his back… so more than Os and Xs to begin with, we’ll be mostly interested in setting a framework and an environment where he’s comfortable, where he can be Victor. He’s not LeBron or Tim or Kobe or anybody else, he’s Victor and that’s who we want him to be.”
Gregg Popovich: "He's not LeBron or Tim or Kobe or anybody else, he's Victor and that's who we want him to be." pic.twitter.com/DorLG4rRJo
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) June 23, 2023
Popovich made it clear that he will not rush the process with Wemby. Despite the talent, maybe because of it, the Spurs will take things one step at a time as they look to become a title-contending team.
As for what we can expect from the Spurs next season, there will be some growing pains as Wembanyama get used to his surroundings.
A New Era For The Spurs
It didn’t take long for the Spurs to strike gold again after a few years in the tank, but nobody is sure how quickly this rebuild will end for them. Assuming Wembanyama is good right away, not every expert is convinced that the transition will be seamless.
“Gregg Popovich isn’t going to like it that he’s now the second biggest star in San Antonio,” said Skip Bayless. “He will soon make it tough on Wemby, break the kid down so he (Pop) can take credit for building him back up. Hope Wemby doesn’t go Kawhi on Pop and say, ‘Enough of this.'”
There will always be doubters when it comes to the best of the best, but it shouldn’t be long before Wembanyama has a chance to prove them wrong once and for all.
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