Houston Rockets LISTEN: Victor Wembanyama Sparking San Antonio Spurs Rivalry ... Again
The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs will forever be linked by history, geography and their franchise's paths.
And with Victor Wembanyama in the fold, a new chapter in their storied rivalry will begin.
The Rockets and Spurs faced off twice in the preseason and have an early matchup in the regular season a week from Friday.
On the latest episode of the "Kiss of Death Podcast," I break down what the rivalry could look like in the coming years.
The genesis of the Rockets' rivalry with Wembanyama stems from NBA Draft Lottery night, when the No. 1 overall pick seemed to be very thrilled when Houston was slated to draft at the No. 4 spot.
It was later revealed that Wembanyama's preferred destination was always San Antonio, given his personal fandom and relationship with former point guard Tony Parker, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer.
While the Spurs have Wembanyama, but the Rockets have an ideal defender for him in 6-10 forward Jabari Smith Jr., who has one of the largest wingspans in the NBA. Wembanyama was held to 3 of 10 shooting in his preseason appearance Wednesday night against the Rockets.
The matchups Wemby and Smith should have over the years will be a key moment for this rivalry.
The preseason was a small tease of what's to come, and if these teams move along the same pace, it could morph into one of the league's best rivalries.
The Rockets and Spurs play each other once again on Friday, Oct. 27. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Frost Bank Center.
