Managing the Frustration: The Future of Victor Wembanyama in the NBA

There was no relief for Victor Wembanyama on the Cleveland floor on Sunday, just as America was leaving the table for lunch. Twenty-four minutes, and not one more. He was barely able to scrape a few seconds thanks to late stoppages in play. The French pivot, once again beaten with his Spurs team (5 wins-32 losses), has, as usual for almost three weeks, alternated short presences on the field and return to the bench. A situation that is not easy to manage, both internally and in the eyes of the general public.

On Sunday, the fans gathered near the entrance to the locker room corridor were able to see, and hear, Victor Wembanyama expressing all his frustration in a shout. It was because San Antonio had let slip a new game that it could have won against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In front, the Texans let the locals regain the advantage before harvesting one last action which could have changed everything. Was it this new setback in a catastrophic (but expected) season that disappointed the Frenchman? Probably, but only partly.

I learned to overcome the frustration of minute limitations

“I have never been so hungry for victory and competition, but I have learned to overcome the frustration of minute limitations,” explained the Frenchman, when asked about this hot topic at a press conference. is like that, my body needs time to adapt to the load and the length of the season.” We knew that Spurs would be very cautious with a player of unique quality, which also means that they have no precedent to rely on.

Victor Wembanyama played 26 minutes against the Grizzlies on January 2, 2024.

Credit: Getty Images

This is how they banned him from participating in the last world championship. This is also why they took their foot off the gas at the first warning, namely an ankle injury during the warm-up before the match against Dallas. Did the Frenchman feel ready to play? The sports and medical staff refused. And since then, “Wemby” has had to settle for 24 minutes per match, a threshold set by the franchise’s doctors and to which Gregg Popovich sticks, who should not be pushed much when it comes to taking care of his men.

“Yes, he is frustrated because of his minutes, the Texan guru recently admitted. But he is also intelligent enough to understand that what interests us is the long term.” This phrase alone defines the entire strategy of the franchise with five NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). It’s because she sees far ahead that she doesn’t take any risks with her number one in the draft. What’s the point of taking the slightest risk when the franchise does not expect to be competitive before, in the best case, next season, and more reasonably in two, three or even four years?

Spurs are dangerous with Wembanyama

In a world where one news chases another and in which sport is no exception to the rule, taking your time seems unnatural. After each San Antonio match in recent weeks, we debate here and there about Wembanyama’s playing time: 24 minutes against Cleveland therefore, 26 against Milwaukee and Memphis, when he forced his entry into play against the advice of his coach , 23 against Boston…

Each time, the same observation: the Spurs are dangerous with Wembanyama on the pitch and not far from being harmless without him. Facing the Cavaliers on Sunday, his team gained a 17-point advantage with him on the field, thus conceding a 19-unit gap when he rested his ankle and his body that the Spurs watch daily. “My whole body will be examined from time to time, every two weeks or so. It’s something we keep an eye on. We can’t be wrong about that,” says “Wemby.”

A Robinson and Duncan destiny?

It is because with him, San Antonio is at stake for its medium and long-term future. Historically incapable of attracting renowned players, the franchise has systematically relied on the draft to build champion squads. The two players drafted by the Spurs at number one (David Robinson in 1987 and Tim Duncan in 1997) were champions (twice for the first, five for the second). If Wembanyama is, as we imagine, of the caliber of these players, he will be a man on whom to build a golden future. Getting the first pick in the draft is already rare, but coming across a vintage with generational talent is like winning the NBA version of the lottery.

Victor Wembanyama

Credit: Getty Images

“Once my body is ready, we will go all out. But there is no reason to be frustrated. I keep my long-term goals in mind,” Wembanyama continues. Even if the frustration, among him and among the fans, exists, nothing can, so far, divert the Spurs from their guideline. After all, the kid is only 20 years old and the franchise is doing everything they can to ensure he has a long career ahead of him. What’s the point of winning five more matches this season if the price to pay is structural fragility in Wembanyama’s talented frame?

2024-01-09 07:00:36
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