'I Don't See Any Reason!' San Antonio Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyma Determined to Not Miss Any More Games
Victor Wembanyama finds himself in an interesting position.
In his rookie year, he's one of the most watched, critiqued and depended-on players in the entire league. Yes, his worth means the most to the San Antonio Spurs specifically, but it's more than that. Because of his talent, he's expected to bring entertainment and a high level of play to every game he plays.
It's why the Spurs have 20 nationally-televised games this season, and why more social media posts feature the 7-4 rookie than any other player in his class — and even some veterans. But despite the expectations and pressure, Wembanyama isn't perfect.
Him missing his first game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans proved that.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama grabs a rebound at Frost Bank Center.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
After dealing with right-hip tightness, the rookie was ruled out of his team's Western Conference bout with New Orleans. It not only marked the first time of the season that he'd missed a game, but also the first time since before his final run with Metropolitans 92 a year ago. He played all 34 games of the season for them.
Wembanyama already vowed to play all 82 games — he hoped to, at least — of the NBA season, and despite the slight setback that was created from his hip, he still has that goal in mind.
Now, it’s just slightly modified.
"I don't see any reason for me to miss any other game,” Wembanyama said of his injury status. “Of course, I want to play every single game. The goal is to be available for my team whenever.”
Even when he was sidelined, however, Wembanyama made the most of it. For starters, he got a chance to take an unorthodox break that he otherwise wouldn't have gotten — especially on a back-to-back— and chose to take in info rather than complain about having to sit out.
That's where he learned to understand his teammates and their opponents even more.
“[It's] a different view of the game," Wembanyama said of riding the bench. "A little frustrating in moments because you always want to join the battle but it taught me a little bit. ... How the different teams guard, (the opponent's) tactics, their pick and roll or if they play zones; the way the game changes depending on the team.”
As Wembanyama continues to learn, so, too, will his teammates. Even Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has things to hone in on, especially as the NBA's youngest team continues to search for a win among losses.
But despite the rough start and Wembanyama's first missed game, Popovich isn't worried.
His cadence remains the same.
"We just have to keep working in a lot of different areas," Popovich said following San Antonio's 137-135 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. "Even if the best teams in the league are working on the same thing; less turnovers, better rebounding, better shots, all that kind of stuff. It's not one thing."
The Spurs will get their next chance to implement that mindset at home against the Chicago Bulls Friday evening. Wembanyama will be once again suited up, and the entire team will work to come away victorious for the first time since Nov. 2.
They just hope they can make it happen.
Tipoff from Frost Bank Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday.
