San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ‘Working on Fundamentals’ Ahead of Year 2

SAN ANTONIO — With both hands on his chest, Victor Wembanyama thanked a San Antonio Express-News reporter who congratulated him on being named the Silver & Black’s starter.

About an hour ago, Gregg Popovich (bringing his typically witty responses with him) was asked a question about the second-year star at the team’s annual Media Day, and he stood at the front of the room and gave his answer.

“I think Victor will start,” he said. “Because I’m smart.”

The decision was a no-brainer.

It was also insignificant.

Naturally, Wembanyama will not only earn a start in every contest in which he is healthy, but will also remain at the center of the San Antonio Spurs’ concerted effort to reach contention once again.

His ever-increasing skill progression will play a huge role in his overall performance, but it doesn’t come without work. The tall forward had the chance to play alongside experienced players at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris over the summer, giving him a taste of both the unfamiliar pressure and the kind of physical adjustments he would have to make. .

“His aggression was the biggest thing,” Popovich said of Wembanyama, who added 25 pounds to his frame in the offseason. “He understands what he needs, what to take, and what to give.”

September 30, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (1) poses for a photo during the team’s Media Day at the Victory Capital Performance Center. / Matt Guzman-Spurs on San Antonio SI

But the 20-year-old hasn’t focused all her attention on improving through the Olympics. He kept it much simpler than that.

“As I progress in my career, I realize more and more that it is important to work on the fundamentals,” Wembanyama said. “So there was a big emphasis on my day(s) this summer: simple occasions.”

What exactly does this look like? First, finish.

“I worked hard to finish at the rim,” he said. “These are things that seem simple for a guard, but they’re things I have to focus on.”

Wembanyama has never been like other players. He stands above others and often surpasses them. But that doesn’t mean she can’t learn to be more stylish.

With games as unorthodox as a game, you can only imagine how powerful he could be if the little things became almost automatic for him. His teammates certainly do.

And to them, that makes him even more dangerous.

“Every part of the game is growing,” Spurs shooting guard Devin Vassell said. “It’s a little scary. … This year is going to be scary for the league in terms of him getting better, improving himself. I can tell you that.”

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