The San Antonio Spurs had a busy offseason. They have not made the playoffs since 2019, and as Victor Wembanyama enters his third season, the expectations are the highest they have been in a long time.
Wembanyama missed the second half of last season, sidelined with blood clots. He appears to be back, bigger, and better than ever before. The Spurs hosted their first open scrimmage on October 4th, and Wembanyama dazzled fans with his handle, athleticism, and strength.
When he entered the league in 2023, the main concern was his slender frame. He’s slowly added some muscle, and it was on full display during their scrimmage.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with Keldon Johnson #3 during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs React to New-Look Wembanyama
Wembanyama spent the summer training with monks, Kevin Garnett, and Hakeem Olajuwon, looking to hone both his physical and mental game.
He has long been praised for his mental stature, and his competitive, team-first spirit continues to catch attention. However, his physical presence is at an all-time high.
“I definitely think he’s gotten stronger,” said Luke Kornet after practice.. “His ability to also be able to make those moves, kind of maintaining his balance and maintaining the ability to get into gathers and get into finishes from there, is all part of it, and I feel like he starts seeing those gaps kind of being bridged together.”
Kornet, in his first offseason with the Spurs, has been tasked with containing Wembanyama on both ends of the floor in practices. In the scrimmage, he fell victim to a nasty dunk by Wembanyama, bringing fans to their feet.
San Antonio Spurs to Aim for Same Goal
As soon as Wembanyama was drafted, priority number one in San Antonio was quickly outlined and is yet to change. The sole focus is to maximize Wembanyama and hope wins pile up as a result.
With improved strength and conditioning, Wembanyama is expected to remain healthy this season and continue to emerge as a top-five player in the world. The Spurs have added a lot of playmaking and some shooting around him, although he is expected to handle the ball more than most centers.
The Spurs signed Kornet to back Wembanyama up this season, although there have been rumblings and flashes that San Antonio will occasionally deploy a two-big lineup, with both Kornet and Wembanyama on the floor. In the scrimmage, Wembanyama handled the ball and got to the basket with ease. Against real NBA defenses, less friendly than his Spurs’ teammates, Wemby will need shooters surrounding him.
His gravity should create open looks for his teammates. If it doesn’t, or if they just don’t hit shots, he should be able to barrel to the rim with regularity.
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