Gregg Popovich Works Closely with Victor Wembanyama to Refine His Game

By Adiel Kalonji | NBA Editor

61 games have passed for Victor Wembanyama during this first season in the NBA. Gregg Popovich therefore had plenty of time to determine the Spurs rookie’s areas of improvement, which they were seen working on in training.

Arriving on the league floor since last summer, Victor Wembanyama made a thunderous debut. It’s simple, we end up wondering every evening what new record he’s about to beat. As such, he is now highly anticipated to win the ROTY. But the Frenchman may impress, but victories are once again rare for Spurs this season.

Because with Wemby, considered the best prospect since LeBron James, many expect him to turn around the curve for his team. At 20 years old, the Alien obviously displays some small gaps in his game. But with a mentor like Gregg Popovich, such a diamond must be duly polished. Thus, the coach takes charge of working on these defects in person.

Wembanyama’s special training with Popovich

At #Spurs shoot-around

Pop working with #VictorWembanyama on positioning, footwork & movement on the block.

Pop demonstrates for Wemby before having Victor run through it a couple of times. A ‘there you go’ from Pop at the end with Vic acknowledgement. ⬇️#GoSpursGo #PorVida pic.twitter.com/V0DBAPOAb5

— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) March 21, 2024

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During the Spurs practice shootaround, Pop works on positioning, footwork and movement near the rim with Victor Wembanyama. Pop demonstrates for Wemby before asking Victor to perform several times. He lets out a “there you go” in acknowledgment of Vic at the end.

At 75, Popovich has clearly not yet lost all his vitality. And he puts this energy at the service of his players. Wembanyama therefore has the chance to learn to correct certain aspects of his game, which still has some imperfections. With 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals on average in 61 games in his first NBA season, it is difficult to say that we are surely experiencing his worst version.

And yet, the former Mets 92’s room for improvement is almost as great as his size. Enough to be afraid for the future when you are a player or supporter of a franchise other than that of Spurs. We still look forward to seeing the star interior at its full potential in the years to come. But for now, it’s time for the learning phase in San Antonio.

There are only less than twenty games left before the end of the season. During this period, Gregg Popovich was able to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of Victor Wembanyama. The coach therefore put on his sneakers for special training with the Spurs rookie.

2024-03-22 20:13:14
#matches #axis #progression #imposed #Popovich #Wembanyama #working