Earlier than the sport in opposition to the Mavericks on Wednesday, Gregg Popovich mentioned one thing very fascinating that didn’t get a whole lot of consideration. The Spurs plan to present Victor Wembanyama extra minutes in the direction of the tip of the season:
“I believe he’s nonetheless at 27 or 28 (minutes) or one thing like that. It’s wonderful the numbers he’s getting for that couple of minutes. However we’ve determined that that’s the easiest way to deliver him alongside proper now. However I believe towards the tip of the season we’ll elevate it just a little bit.”
The truth that Pop is brazenly speaking about it means it’s going to in all probability occur and the choice makes a whole lot of sense. Wembanyama has been averaging 28.4 minutes a sport, which ranks fourth amongst rookies and doesn’t mirror how a lot the Spurs might use him, however helped to keep away from overburdening him. San Antonio is over 5 factors per 100 possessions higher with Wemby on the courtroom, the second-highest mark behind solely Tre Jones. Wembanyama’s backup, Zach Collins, has struggled individually, which has had an affect on the group degree, so maximizing the time the rookie is on the ground now that the teaching employees feels can deal with extra minutes ought to make an enormous constructive distinction.
The transfer might additionally closely assist Wembanyama’s Rookie of the 12 months possibilities. Proper now it’s a two-horse race between Victor and Chet Holgrem regardless of Wembanyama having the sting on factors, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per sport. The Thunder’s stellar document is what’s propping up Holgrem’s case for the award whereas Victor has to depend on posting overwhelmingly superior numbers. It’s at all times tough to extrapolate stats, however with how productive Wembanyama has been on a per-minute foundation, he might have some really eye-popping averages if he performs extra. Even matching the variety of minutes Holgrem performs might sway some voters.
Some individuals will argue that Wembanyama ought to have been taking part in heavier minutes all alongside, however Pop’s feedback about it make sense and the timing of the adjustment is logical. Wemby appears to have smashed via the rookie wall and may have time to relaxation earlier than returning to motion regardless of taking part in All-Star weekend. There are additionally simply 27 video games left, so the rookie has already performed most of his first 12 months within the league and has tailored, which makes any time he misses with a minor damage much less damaging. Giving him some further taking part in time and ultimately shutting him down if wanted can also be a risk, for the reason that Spurs don’t have a lot to play for at this level.
What stays to be seen is how way more Wemby will play. It appears extremely unlikely he’ll get 35+ minutes, judging by how Gregg Popovich has traditionally operated, however even when he will get into the low 30, he ought to have the chance to get his numbers up whereas serving to the group. Irrespective of how massive the uptick in taking part in time is, followers will probably be glad to have extra Wemby time to get pleasure from.
