For the primary time since 2021, the Spurs are getting into the brand new season with a participant ranked in ESPN’s Prime 100 Gamers checklist, with Victor Wembanyama coming in at #47. Which will or might not appear slightly excessive for a participant who has but to document a minute in an NBA common season, however here’s what they needed to say (courtesy of Andrew Lopez):
2022 NBA rank: NR
Why he debuts at No. 47: Wembanyama is in contrast to any prospect we’ve seen enter the NBA. Wembanyama averaged 21.6 factors, 10.4 rebounds and three.2 blocks per sport within the French Professional A League final season on his technique to successful MVP honors. Nonetheless, how a lot of that interprets to the NBA straight away stays to be seen.
One big query for the season: How precisely will the Spurs use Wembanyama? Spurs coach Gregg Popovich mentioned one of many cool inquiries to be answered in coaching camp is determining if Wembanyama is an influence ahead, middle or perhaps a small ahead. Wembanyama mentioned there are not any limitations on his position. What’s clear is that San Antonio will use the rookie in numerous methods.
Even when there are those that consider prime 50 is excessive for any rookie no matter how proficient, it’s no shock that Wemby at the least made prime 100. (For reference, his two presumed challengers for ROY, Scoot Henderson and Chet Holmgren, got here in at 78th and 73rd, respectively.)
What’s perhaps slightly stunning is that no different Spurs made the highest 100, particularly Keldon Johnson and/or Devin Vassell. Whereas it will be odd to have three prime 100 gamers on a workforce nonetheless predicted to be a backside five-ish workforce subsequent season, it does really feel like these two are being a bit ignored, particularly Vassell (though there’s the legitimate excuse that he solely performed 38 video games final season, so voters must see extra).
What do you suppose, Pounders? Is Wemby positioned proper? Is anybody else lacking from the checklist (the highest 10 has but to return out, however it’s protected to imagine no Spurs shall be there), and do you suppose any new Spurs will enter the rankings by this time subsequent 12 months? Be happy to debate within the feedback beneath!
