Earlier than Victor Wembanyama even stepped foot in San Antonio, some individuals thought his time with the Spurs was restricted.
San Antonio Spurs followers clamored for Gregg Popovich, Brian Wright and the remainder of the entrance workplace to make some strikes, or the younger large man would bolt. Some on Twitter even photoshopped the 19-year-old right into a Lakers jersey. Sure, it’s clear that Wemby is hell-bent on profitable. Nevertheless, to recommend that after a 22-60 season the rookie has a foot out the door is obvious foolish.
In his final press convention of the season, Wembanyama was requested if his confidence in the long run plan the Spurs have in place was shaken. The above video captures is full response, however to tug a key quote:
“I by no means for one second doubted,” Wembanyama stated. “I by no means thought I wasn’t in the perfect state of affairs. After all I want we have been within the playoffs, I want we didn’t lose 60 video games. As a lot as I do know it’s laborious right now, it’s for the long run.”
That doesn’t sound like a participant who’s searching for a manner out after his first season. Actually, it appears like somebody who has the identical long run imaginative and prescient that the Spurs seemingly have for constructing this roster. With a younger roster and a cache of of draft belongings, it’s possible San Antonio construct round Wembanyama at a slower tempo. Their star appears to be simply fantastic with that.
And even when he wasn’t, the Spurs are within the drivers seat along with his contract. They’ve crew management for 4 years, after which will supply Wembanyama the rookie-scale max extension. No person can supply Wemby a greater monetary future in his first 9 seasons than San Antonio. Over the course of that deal, they need to have the monetary flexibility to construct a contender round him.
So this summer time in the event that they don’t empty the tank for Trae Younger or no matter celebrity turns into out there, don’t be alarmed. Wembanyama doesn’t appear to be he’ll swap allegiances simply because San Antonio isn’t a title contender in yr two. The nationwide media cycle and reactionary followers on social media will declare the sky is falling, Popovich ought to be fired and Wembanyama will demand a commerce – and none of will probably be true. A rebuild is a protracted and enjoyable journey. San Antonio received the laborious half out of the way in which to find their celebrity. It’s a superb factor that he’s purchased in, to allow them to take their time constructing the very best crew round him.
