"He doesn't let it affect him" - Gregg Popovich confident about Victor Wembanyama's level-headedness
Victor Wembanyama is preparing for his NBA regular-season debut with the San Antonio Spurs, which will take place Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. The French big man, who is also the 2023 No.1 draft pick, has attracted everyone's attention because of his limitless potential.
Wembanyama is considered a generational talent and the next big thing in the league, so, it doesn't come as a surprise that people expect great things from him.
San Antonio coach, the legendary Gregg Popovich, addressed the hype and talked about how Wembanyama is dealing with it heading into the start of the season.
"There's been a lot of hype around him for a long time and he doesn't let it affect him," Gregg Popovich told media, via HoopsHype. "He's very mature. He's very emotionally strong. His priorities are in order. Victor is very professional already. So, he will just come to play."
For his part, Victor Wembanyama offered quite a few highlights during the Spurs' preseason games and showed he is ready for his rookie season.
San Antonio probably views him as its best chance of returning to the playoffs and becoming a title contender again.
The franchise, which won five NBA championships during its golden era (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), has not played in the postseason since 2019. Prior to that, the Spurs made the playoffs 22 straight seasons.
Victor Wembanyama hopeful of winning a championship with the Spurs
Victor Wembanyama has already taken the league by storm and as already mentioned, people expect great things from him.
The young big man is the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, but he has his sights set on the bigger picture, an NBA championship.
"It [ROY] is not my main goal. I know it’s going to come. But it’s not something I should worry about," Wembanyama told Malika Andrews of ESPN, via Eurohoops.net. "It’ll come naturally if I put my 100% on the court and sacrifice for my teammates."
Heading into his rookie season, Victor Wembanyama is optimistic about his chances of claiming the title with the Spurs and hopes he will help San Antonio return to the NBA finals soon:
"Everyone wants it [the championship] for sure. Some more than others. I know the Spurs know how to do it. They’ve done it in the past multiple times and they are going to do it again.
"Of course, I just want it as quick as possible. But it’s going to come. Some day it’s going to come, I’m sure. But I don’t know when."
Wembanyama averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in four preseason games.