Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are being recognized nationally
The national media is already enamored with Victor Wembanyama, and the San Antonio Spurs are the center of the NBA.
Tuesday and Thursday, Victor Wembanyama traveled to Phoenix and ruined basketball in the state of Arizona. Indeed, he might have spoilt it for supporters of any team save the Spurs. The Spurs thrillingly defeated Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns twice in two games.
Wembanyama outperformed the Slim Reaper in both games, scoring more points, grabbing more rebounds, playing better defense, and turning the ball over fewer times overall.
All-time great Kevin Durant is still among the best players in the league. A 19-year-old rookie is outlasting him one-on-one, and his team—which was one of the favorites to win the Finals—was defeated by the Spurs.
The national media is aware of the events in South Texas for the first time in a number of years. Senior NBA writer for ESPN Zach Lowe offered glowing comments (subscription required).
Wembanyama’s potential may be limited by the Spurs’ “bizarro” starting lineup of Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan, according to Lowe.
It’s encouraging if he’s limited but still manages to score 38 points.
Lowe goes on to say that although Gregg Popovich can always start Tre Jones, a traditional point guard, in the starting lineup, the Spurs “have nowhere to go but up,” so now is the time to give it a shot.
No matter who else is on the court, the Spurs are instantly a strong defensive team when Wemby is there. Wembanyama’s length helps him take out a third of the court for the opposition right away, and his lateral quickness lets him move to take out a further third.
“He’s a mind-changer, the league leader in forced midair holy crap, I really can’t get this shot off, is there anyone I can pass to?” was how Lowe put it best. Who can argue with Elias Sports Bureau’s assertion that that isn’t a true statistic?
For Wembanyama and whichever lineup surrounds him, the offensive possibilities are endless. He draws so much attention that other Spurs are able to get better looks at him. If they are unable to get a shot off, they can easily assist him by lobbing the ball. Throwing it too high will not allow Wemby to catch the ball.
Regarding the Spurs’ dubious decision to sign Wembanyama, Lowe addresses casual fans in a similar manner. When a generational player is involved, fit is irrelevant.
