San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili Talks Coaching Role, Growth of Victor Wembanyama: 'I'm Just There!'
San Antonio Spurs legend and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili has maintained a key role in the Alamo City this season as an unofficial member of Gregg Popovich's coaching staff.
Both he and fellow Spurs legend Tim Duncan have been impactful in helping rookie star Victor Wembanyama during his early development, but Ginobili has taken this to a new level by being active with Wemby on the court at the "The Rock" practice facility.
On a recent podcast episode with another Spurs great, Tony Parker, Ginobili opened up about his unofficial role and what he's seen from Wembanyama early this season.
"Pop asks me that every day," Ginobili said of his role. "I'm just there. I try to contribute in any way possible. I do a little bit of everything but not too much of anything."
Manu Ginobili
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Ginobili isn't listed as a member of the coaching staff, though it's safe to say that Spurs fans would love to see him be Popovich's successor once the 74-year-old calls it quits. But while it seems unlikely that Ginobili would take on a full-time coaching role anytime soon, it's clear that he relishes being around the team's young talent, particularly Wembanyama.
Recent video showed Ginobili walking through some things with Wemby at practice.
Take a look:
Ginobili remains confident in Wemby despite some of his early-season inconsistencies.
"There's never been anybody like [Victor], but what I always say is he's still a kid," Ginobili said. "You gotta be patient. He's going to be extraordinary, but there's work to be done. There's a process. Expecting him to take us to the playoffs or Finals right away doesn't make any sense."
