Latest news with #VictorWembanyama
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Victor Wembanyama Reacts to San Antonio Spurs Being Named NBA's Most Positive Team
Victor Wembanyama Reacts to San Antonio Spurs Being Named NBA's Most Positive Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the modern NBA, with the advent of social media, it's easier than ever for fans and "armchair GMs" to spout their opinions, criticisms, and concerns about their favorite teams. The San Antonio Spurs, of course, are not exempt from that, although their track record of success and elite young core centered on Victor Wembanyama shoud be more than enough to give fans hope. Advertisement As teams like the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, and others continually fall short of expectations, and other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, flal victim to their own mismanagement, the Spurs, for the most part, have been true to what they set out to do. After Tim Duncan retired and Kawhi Leonard was traded away, it stood to reason that the small-market Spurs would undergo a years-long rebuild, although in the 2023 NBA Draft, their tanking paid off, as they drafted Wembanyama. A year later, they landed Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and this season, they landed the second overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Fans still find things to complain about, although the Spurs are in a positive place, and the fan base generally reflects that. According to a recent poll, the Spurs have the single most positive fanbase in the NBA. Advertisement Wembanyama took notice of that. Wembanyama is already one of the very best players in the NBA and is only 21 years old, so of course, fans have reason to be optimistic. On top of that, even while fans are divided on some issues, everyone has full faith in Wemby. It's impossible to walk around San Antonio without seeing a Wembanyama mural, shirt, jersey, or poster, and while the Spurs still have a ways to go before they are true contenders, the direction, unlike a lot of other franchises, is very clear. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: Michael Wilbon Offers Which San Antonio Spurs' Trade Asset is Untouchable Related: LeBron James Makes Tom Brady, Victor Wembanyama Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jazz 'Dream Trade Target' Lays Blueprint for Deal with Spurs
Jazz 'Dream Trade Target' Lays Blueprint for Deal with Spurs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Antonio Spurs are expected to make a massive move this NBA offseason, although the "shock factor" remains to be seen. Drafting Dylan Harper second overall would certainly be a big move, although, at this point, it is to be expected. Advertisement Still, the Spurs could make a blockbuster trade, either for Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, to bolster their title hopes around Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs could pivot, and both Cam Johnson and Lauri Markkanen seem like viable targets. While the Utah Jazz would love to get their hands on the second overall pick, the Spurs might have a player they would covet just as much. "Sochan lost his starting job in San Antonio this past season," pointed out Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz. "Both could use a fresh start on a team in need of their scoring, defense, and passing." Jeremy Sochan was listed third on the Jazz's dream trade targets, and the Spurs could flip him in a deal for Markkanen, although it would cost a lot more than just the Polish forward. Advertisement The Spurs could, in theory, trade Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and the 14th overall pick to the Jazz for Markkanen, giving them a lineup of Wembanyama, Markkanen, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, with Harper and Julian Champagnie coming off the bench. The Spurs would have enough money left over to pursue free agent center Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, or even Naz Reid. While the Silver and Black are most likely going to hold pat and build organically this offseason, the team has no shortage of options. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Advertisement Related: Victor Wembanyama Reacts to San Antonio Spurs Unique News Related: Former Spurs Player Delivers Definitive Verdict on 2013 NBA Finals Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets' D'Angelo Russell is really high on Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
Nets' D'Angelo Russell is really high on Spurs' Victor Wembanyama The Brooklyn Nets are still early in their offseason and many of the players are enjoying their summers before they have to come back to Brooklyn to try to improve on the 26-56 record from this season. D'Angelo Russell has been taking full advantage of his time off by touring China as part of his signature shoe promotion, but he also took the time to talk about an upcoming great NBA player. "Victor Wembanyama... He's slick. I'm telling y'all now, I'm putting this on air. Remember, I gave him his flowers last time," Russell said of San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during the latest episode of his "The Backyard Podcast" show. Russell's podcast is not only for him to talk about what's on his mind, but also acts as a vlog of sorts that shows what he is doing behind the scenes. "This is a big statement. If they (the NBA) ever change the logo, it might be him," Russell continued while speaking about Wembanyama. "He's that special... I'm just really high on Victor Wembanyama. I think he's really special." Wembanyama, 21, is considered one of the players in the "up-and-coming" tiers usually attributed to young players that have the appearance of someone destined for stardom and he hasn't disappointed thus far. Wembanyama, the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is not only boasting career averages of 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.9% from the field and 33.9% from three-point land, but he has always made waves in the league in terms of his accomplishments. Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-3 and 235 pounds, was the Rookie of the Year for the 2023-24 season while being named to the All-Defensive First Team, is a one-time All-Star, and has led the NBA in blocks per game the past two seasons. Russell is a free-agent this summer and while he has spoken about wanting to come back to Brooklyn, there could be a chance that he signs with the Spurs considering his feelings about Wembanyama's future.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
San Antonio Spurs, perennial All-Star reportedly had mutual interest in trade
The San Antonio Spurs have the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, positioning them to either pick or trade for a cornerstone player to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Already linked to several star-caliber players in NBA rumors, it appears the interest is mutual with at least one of them. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee Show that All-Star forward Kevin Durant and the Spurs had mutual interest in a pairing ahead of the NBA trade deadline. It came ahead of a summer where many around the league expect Durant to be dealt. Advertisement Related: Insider reveals what San Antonio Spurs expected to do with No. 2 pick Kevin Durant stats (ESPN): 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT While the Phoenix Suns primarily discussed a Durant trade in February with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio also expressed interest in acquiring the All-Star forward. Unlike Golden State, where Durant blocked a trade to, he was very receptive to the idea of playing for the Spurs. On some level, Durant makes more sense for San Antonio than acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Antetokounmpo is the superior talent and younger, he would cost significantly more to acquire. The Spurs could land Durant and keep the second overall pick. Related: San Antonio Spurs expected to pursue two superstars this summer Kevin Durant contract (Spotrac): $54.708 million cap hit in 2025-'26 Advertisement It would mean a potential pairing next season of Wembanyama, Durant, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the Spurs starting lineup. San Antonio could then use the second overall pick on guard Dylan Harper, bringing him off the bench behind Castle and Fox. While Phoenix isn't expected to make massive changes this summer, there's a growing belief that Durant will be traded. If the Suns don't have an issue trading Durant inside the Western Conference, the Spurs could be well-positioned to acquire him. Related: 2025 NBA Draft order, San Antonio Spurs draft picks 2025 Related Headlines
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Spurs Urged to Avoid Worst-Case Scenario With Victor Wembanyama
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The San Antonio Spurs are coming off a season in which they failed to meet expectations a bit. More NBA news: Knicks Staff Reportedly Losing Patience With Karl-Anthony Towns The Spurs were ravaged by injuries, including their superstar center, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama was spectacular all season long, that is, until after the All-Star break when he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. The deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed after the All-Star break and required surgery. While the injury was serious, the expectation is that the Frenchman will make a full recovery and be ready by the start of the 2025-26 season. While that's the good news, the bad news is that the Spurs have a lot to do in order to take the next step and become contenders, especially in the loaded Western Conference. The Spurs have a long way to go, but at least they have a superstar in their corner. As for the rest of their roster, they require significant retooling, including adding shooting around Wembanyama and star guard De'Aaron Fox. Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after a 131-121 victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and... Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after a 131-121 victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. More Photo byIn a recent column by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, he urged the Spurs to avoid this nightmare scenario with Wembanyama. "You don't want to be in a situation where Wemby has to be living from beyond the arc. You want to create an environment that opens up more paint touches for him while also leveraging his spacing. San Antonio currently tilts too much toward the former. It should be using the non-taxpayer mid-level ($14.1 million) and the trade market to change that," wrote Favale. Standing at 7-foot-4, Wembanyama brings undeniable size and presence, but his impact away from the ball has room to grow. According to BBall-Index, he ranked in just the 41st percentile in both off-ball gravity and catch-and-shoot three-point accuracy — marks that leave something to be desired. That's especially concerning if the Spurs end up losing Chris Paul and his reliable 37.7 percent shooting from deep to a larger role elsewhere. Surrounding Wembanyama with dependable shooters is essential if the Spurs hope to maximize his impact. Proper spacing not only opens up the floor but also creates cleaner opportunities for the "Alien" to operate near the basket — where he remains most dominant. While Wembanyama can score from all over, his efficiency skyrockets around the rim. He's already showcased his star-level talent; now, heading into his third season, the focus shifts to elevating his game to an even higher tier. More NBA news: Lakers Reportedly Set on Bronny James Being Part of Rotation For more San Antonio Spurs and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
