The San Antonio Spurs lucked out into the next generational NBA prospect as they won the draft lottery and secured the rights to select Victor Wembanyama first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
All year, the hype for Wembanyama was palpable as he was putting up incredible numbers overseas in France and seemingly going viral every other night for something he did on the court.
The Spurs were probably the best landing spot for the phenom as he’ll be given the chance to develop slowly while also working under head coach Gregg Popovich who has plenty of experience coaching international stars.
San Antonio has been toiling around the bottom of the Western Conference for years now, but Wembanyama gives them an obvious franchise pillar.
Because of his high profile, players may feel motivated to rough up Wembanyama but Keldon Johnson said he and the rest of the team plan to defend him when necessary via Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News.
“There are going to be some people who want to try to bully him. We got his back… If I feel like there is any situation they are trying to go after him, I will be there,” Johnson said.
Keldon Johnson says the Spurs will have ‘enforcers’ around Wemby:
“There are going to be some people who want to try to bully him. We got his back… If I feel like there is any situation they are trying to go after him, I will be there.”
(via @tom_orsborn) pic.twitter.com/klplzYgdpm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 6, 2023
There was so much media attention surrounding Wembanyama this past calendar year that there are surely players around the league who would like to try and humble him and make him uncomfortable on the floor.
Johnson’s words, though, make it sound like he and the locker room are well-aware of what’s coming and are acting in good faith as teammates.
Wembanyama might not be able to deliver on his enormous potential in Year 1 but there’s no doubt that he’s got the tools to become one of the best players in the world.
NEXT: Victor Wembanyama Makes Hilarious Revelation About Gregg Popovich