Victor Wembanyama is getting into his first NBA season with many targets, however one particularly that stands out. In what has grow to be a overseas idea not only for the NBA as an entire, however particularly star gamers and ESPECIALLY gamers beneath Gregg Popovich’s watchful eye, he advised ESPN’s Andrew Lopez that he hopes to play in all 82 video games this season.
Requested Victor Wembanyama how a lot he desires to play this season:
“Each recreation. If there is no extreme threat for my well being – after all I am unable to predict the longer term – however I need to play each single recreation.”
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) October 24, 2023
Naturally, he is aware of that issues equivalent to damage or sickness can occur, and he received’t put himself in danger, nevertheless it’s good to know that he desires to be on the market each night time for his staff. It’s value noting that though Pop is taken into account the founding father of “load administration” (even when the Raptors are those who coined the phrase), it didn’t begin till after the Huge Three have been getting up there in NBA years and in search of methods to lengthen their careers (one thing the NBA ought to have appreciated extra in hindsight).
Nevertheless, while you look again, Tim Duncan appeared 100% of the video games 4 instances in his first 5 season (82 video games 3 times, all 50 within the 1999 lockout shortened season). He additionally appeared in 77 video games as late because the 2014-15 season. The identical could be stated for Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who when well being permitted additionally performed at any time when they have been obtainable (it took Parker till 2008 to seem in lower than 75 video games), so the the concept Pop will simply sit stars for the sake of sitting them or to make some extent has grow to be an inaccurate, misguided view. Was he overly “cautious” final season when his gamers bought dinged up late for sure causes? Positive, however historical past reveals when Pop has younger, wholesome stars and is aiming to win, there’s no relaxation for the weary, and at present’s schedule format is extra forgiving than 20 years in the past.
It’s probably that he received’t push Wemby too exhausting, and if he enters a gameday “questionable” with one thing like a wobbly ankle or tight hamstring, Pop might err on the aspect of warning. But when Wemby is wholesome and obtainable, count on him to play with none pushback. Not solely do the Spurs must hold him completely happy, however there’s no higher technique to get into NBA form than to simply hold taking part in: one thing Wemby himself has admitted he’s nonetheless engaged on.
