The San Antonio Spurs got a good one with Victor Wembanyama. At just 21 years old, he is the best defender in the world and one of the very best overall players in the NBA. Deep vein thrombosis ended his second season early, although the Spurs are expected to hit the ground running in year three.
The Spurs have high expectations this season. Of course, Wembanyama is at the center of it all, but he needs a competitive team around him.
He has made it clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to win, and he expects his teammates and organization to be on the same page.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with teammate Victor Wembanyama #1 after a dunk during the 2025 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Chase Center on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama Was ‘Mean’ to Spurs
When Wembanyama was drafted in 2023, the second-best player on the Spurs was either Devin Vassell or Keldon Johnson. Both are capable role-players, although neither of them is the ideal running mate for a superstar.
Apparently, Wembanyama took one look at the roster he would be playing with and demanded that some changes be made.
“There’s rumors in the basketball universe that very early on, Wemby told the people in San Antonio, I need some more help,” explained Richard Jefferson on the Road Trippin’ podcast. “He’s like, I need better basketball players around me.”
Clearly, it worked. The Spurs went .268 in games Wembanyama played in his rookie season. Last year, the Spurs improved to .457 in his 46 games. This season, the Spurs will be in the playoff race, provided they stay healthy.
Wembanyama seemingly has no problem telling both his teammates and opponents that they aren’t good enough to keep up with him.
“He’s mean,” added Kendrick Perkins. “He’s a f—— pit bull. Wemby is f—— mean.”
San Antonio Spurs Complied With Wembanyama’s Demand
In his first full offseason in San Antonio, the Spurs drafted Stephon Castle and signed Chris Paul. Both guards really only had one job: get Wembanyama the ball.
Last season, the Spurs signed De’Aaron Fox to be Wemby’s running mate. This summer, they added Dylan Harper as another playmaker, Carter Bryant as a defensive stopper, and Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk to back Wembanyama up in the frontcourt.
The roster has been totally revamped since Wembanyama arrived, although the timeline around him has not been rushed at all. Every single addition will get multiple “prime” seasons with Wembanyama. On top of that, the Spurs have plenty of draft capital to keep adding young talent.
Of course, if the Spurs fall flat, Wembanyama could demand that the Spurs flip the picks for win-now players. He has made it clear that he is willing to be patient, although he has yet to play winning NBA basketball, and the clock is ticking.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Victor Wembanyama Was ‘Mean’ To San Antonio Spurs About Key Demand appeared first on Heavy Sports.