Gregg Popovich Reveals Spurs' Plan to Sit Victor Wembanyama During Back-to-Backs
The San Antonio Spurs plan to sit Victor Wembanyama during back-to-backs for "a couple of weeks" as the team remains cautious in managing his ankle injury. The injury occurred on Dec. 23 in a blowout loss against the Dallas Mavericks when the rookie center stepped on a ball boy's foot during his pre-game workout.
"He's got a minutes restriction, and he can't play back-to-backs for a couple of weeks until they take another picture and check out his foot again," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
© Troy Wayrynen, USA TODAY
Wembanyama returned to the lineup on Tuesday, recording 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and five blocks in 24 minutes in a 130-118 loss against the Utah Jazz. He followed it up by leading the Spurs to a 118-105 victory over the Blazers, finishing with 30 points, six rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in 24 minutes on the first night of a back-to-back. He was ruled out for Friday's game against Portland.
Under the guidance of the Spurs' medical staff, Wembanyama will not only be held out of back-to-backs but also face a minute restriction in the games he plays, seemingly 25 minutes based on recent totals. San Antonio will play three back-to-backs through the end of January.
"He's got a minutes restriction and he can't play back-to-backs for a couple of weeks until they take another picture and check out his foot again," Popovich said.
Wembanyama expressed his trust in the Spurs' medical staff and will follow through with their suggestions. However, he made clear, he'd play in every game possible if it was up to him but remains focused on making an impact when he's on the floor.
"We communicate a lot with the medical staff, and I've made it clear that I want them to sit me out," Wembanyama said. "I'm going to trust them if they want me to sit out, but only if I really need to.
"If they force me pretty much. If it was up to me, I'd play every game," Wembanyama continued. "But I respect my role. They're professionals. I'm a professional. I try to do my job the best I can."
Wembanyama has averaged 18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks in 27 games this season, showcasing immense potential as the Spurs' franchise-cornerstone.
