Victor Wembanyama 'Excited' to Play for Spurs, 'Demanding' Gregg Popovich
Now that the San Antonio Spurs have won the NBA Draft Lottery, the future of their franchise and Victor Wembanyama is all-but finalized.
There's no question that the Spurs need a way to get back into contention within the Western Conference, and Wembanyama seems to be the answer, especially if he turns out to be as successful as he's expected to be.
Spurs players had an array of reactions after winning the draft lottery — likely all of them expecting to have a new French teammate come June — but Gregg Popovich's feelings on the situation are still unknown. In fact, he's yet to sign a contract to return to the Spurs next season.
Despite his future being still unknown, Wembanyama seems to like the idea of working with Popovich.
"It would be an honor [to play for Popovich] for sure," Wembanyama said in a French interview. "From what I've heard, he's demanding, but one thing I know for sure is that he's good, and until proven otherwise, he has more experience than I do.
"If I have the chance to be coached by Pop, it will be with a lot of humility and excitement."
San Antonio has a history with NBA players of French descent, hosting both Boris Diaw and Tony Parker — both of which won a title with the Spurs in 2014 — and soon Wembanyama.
Living up to the legacy of those Spurs legends is one thing in which the center will have to address throughout his career, but first, he's focused on what his new team will bring, both on and off the court.
"In the NBA, we see teams [at] the bottom of the league one year go to the conference finals," Wembanyama said. "I have no worries. What's important is that the structure and culture there is strong."
The Spurs have long been known to have a strong culture, especially with the loyalty that came from the big-three of Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, leaving little doubt about the warm welcome Wembanyama is set to receive next season.
Ahead of next month's draft, Spurs fans can look forward to a new center and a new chapter of the franchise, which will likely see Popovich, Wembanyama and Spurs culture at their highest points.
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