The intense lights of Madison Sq. Backyard might need overwhelmed Victor Wembanyama final night time. The rookie encountered a difficult begin, going 0-5 within the first half and capturing two airballs whereas the San Antonio Spurs trailed by 14 factors on the break. In the end, the workforce suffered their third consecutive loss, with the rookie scoring 14 factors whereas capturing a season-low 28.6% from the sphere. Regardless of Wemby’s underwhelming debut at MSG, it’s an necessary reminder that he’s solely 19 years outdated.
Legendary coach and commentator Hubie Brown continually reminded the viewers about that necessary truth on Wednesday night time’s broadcast. Maybe it was untimely for a lot of, myself included, to get carried away with the joy following Victor’s stellar performances final week towards Phoenix. The back-to-back wins led some to dream massive and examine the Spurs as potential contenders for a play-in spot on account of Wemby’s brilliance. Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that he’s nonetheless a younger rookie, and the Spurs are taking a long-term method with each Victor and their present roster.
As highlighted in Kevin O’Connor’s article on The Ringer, whereas we already acknowledge a few of Victor’s excellent qualities, this season’s focus ought to be on exploring different dimensions of his recreation.
Jones and Wemby share the ground a lot. However for now, it’s extra helpful for Wembanyama to develop with Sochan, who’s the second-best defender on the workforce and has the very best upside on the roster as a facilitator. Plus, we already know that Wembanyama can destroy the rim with loopy dunks. There’s extra developmental profit to creating issues more durable on Wemby with creation alternatives on the finish of the clock, a packed paint that forces him into in-between photographs, and the physicality of veteran facilities. These are the issues he must get higher at.
The purpose guard expertise with Jeremy Sohan gained’t all the time be flawless, however his defensive potential alongside Wemby might be outstanding sooner or later. Persistence is important, particularly contemplating the Spurs have the youngest roster within the league.
Unsurprisingly, New York newspapers seized the chance to mock the French rookie’s MSG debut of their Thursday editions.
Wednesday night time marked a unique NBA expertise for Wemby in New York, with Knicks followers mercilessly chanting “Overrated” throughout his first-half struggles.
It wasn’t the primary time Victor confronted such adversity from followers. He talked about being heckled by European followers through the French phase of his post-game press convention.
One other necessary takeaway from his press convention was his unwavering perception within the Spurs’ defensive potential.
Regardless of current struggles, we’ve seen some encouraging indicators from the workforce’s defensive potential. As soon as once more, Victor shows maturity in his method whereas remaining optimistic regardless of the current difficult struggles. It’s time to show the web page and concentrate on the subsequent recreation towards the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves.
