Since arriving in San Antonio, we’ve gotten to know Victor Wembanyama on many ranges. His maturity and poise have been obvious from his first public appearances in North America. In actual fact, he left fairly the impression on present Los Angeles Lakers coach J.J. Redick throughout an interview forward of the draft.
To cite Redick: “Jason, he’s reached enlightenment.” That was my first second realizing how particular Victor is—not simply as a participant however as an individual. His off-court uniqueness extends to his pursuits, together with drawing, artwork, and studying. His love for books even led to a gathering along with his favorite creator, Brandon Sanderson.
For these questioning, I did get to see Wemby play when he got here by Utah final month! He made time for us after the sport, and was simply as gracious and eloquent as everybody says. (Plus, he was superior to observe play.) What a category act. @wemby pic.twitter.com/gwU71fM9s5
— Brandon Sanderson (@BrandSanderson) April 10, 2024
Quick-forward to November 2024, and Wembanyama’s ardour for studying has began influencing his teammates. It’s been reported that Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes have shaped a e-book membership, which Wemby joined. This may be the primary time I’ve ever heard of NBA gamers bonding over books! Whereas it’s an uncommon idea for athletes, it makes good sense. They spend a lot of the yr on the highway with downtime to fill.
Wembanyama’s involvement isn’t shocking, given his love for literature. For veterans like Barnes and Paul—who’re married with youngsters—the highway isn’t about nightlife anymore, so a e-book membership provides a refreshing method to join.
This e-book membership is an intriguing growth, and I’m wondering in the event that they’ll get youthful gamers to hitch. Think about strolling right into a Barnes & Noble and seeing a suggestion part impressed by the Spurs’ e-book membership—it’s not such a far-fetched concept. I, for one, am curious to see how this evolves all year long.
For the third straight sport, followers are lacking out on seeing the Alien on the court docket. In line with reporter Matthew Tynan, Victor Wembanyama is sidelined with a deep knee bruise. Whereas it’s being dealt with with precaution, there’s optimism that the French phenom will return when the Spurs host the Warriors on Saturday evening.
Spoke briefly with a Spurs staffer who mentioned Victor’s knee bruise is deep, and was the form of damage that felt worse the following day than it did the evening it occurred. He’s doing tremendous however they’re not gonna push it. https://t.co/7XuSPeiyJ7
— Matthew Tynan (@Matthew_Tynan) November 21, 2024
In Wembanyama’s absence, the Spurs have nonetheless been surprisingly satisfying to observe. Veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes have supplied management, remodeling the crew right into a extra aggressive and entertaining squad. Rookie Sephon Citadel has additionally turned heads along with his promising begin to his NBA profession. The improved supporting forged has been essential, evidenced by Wembanyama’s spectacular +13 plus/minus when he’s on the court docket this season.
Forward of the 2023 draft, Adrian Wojnarowski speculated that drafting Wembanyama may add $500 million in worth to the crew. Quick-forward a yr and a half, and the town of San Antonio is revamping its downtown with the formidable Venture Marvel. Whereas it’s not honest to say Wemby is solely accountable, his plain affect has absolutely helped propel the town’s imaginative and prescient ahead.
The Spurs’ present beginning lineup is ranked among the many league’s greatest, and it’s thrilling to see the crew trending in the best route.
Talking of pleasure, do you know the Spurs shall be featured in a Disney different forged for his or her Christmas Day matchup towards the New York Knicks? This broadcast will debut AI-generated “NB-AI” gamers—an intriguing first for the NBA!
