Hold your basketballs, because LeBron James isn’t the only one making headlines in the NBA. San Antonio Spurs’ rookie sensation, Victor Wembanyama, is already turning heads with his impressive skills, and his teammate, Doug McDermott, believes the sky’s the limit for this young talent.
“The potential is limitless,” McDermott exclaimed. “He is incredibly dedicated, a hard worker, and his mindset is extraordinary. I’ve never seen a rookie who’s so self-assured and committed to their work ethic. Having him on our team is a blessing, as he can truly be himself.”
Wembanyama has lived up to the hype during the preseason, showcasing his talents on the court. In the first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he shot an impressive 8-for-13, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, blocking one shot, and making two steals in just 19 minutes of play. Then, facing off against the Miami Heat, he continued to shine, going 10-of-15 from the field, racking up 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.
The Spurs selected Wembanyama as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, plucking him from France, where he previously played for Metropolitans 92. Leading up to the draft, he was widely regarded as a generational prospect, the consensus top pick, and possibly the most promising talent since LeBron James in 2003.
San Antonio secured the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery after finishing the season with a 22-60 record, tied with the Houston Rockets for the second-worst record in the league, just behind the Detroit Pistons at 17-65.
Now, legendary Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has the opportunity to mentor another generational player, adding to his impressive list of players he’s coached over the years, including Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginóbli, and many more. Popovich has been at the helm in San Antonio since 1996, making him the longest-tenured active coach in the NBA.