(Los Angeles) NBA legend, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich assumes an “observation” phase of his new nugget Victor Wembanyama, whom he hopes to lead to the top for a final challenge at age 74.
The Spurs had a string of bad matches and defeats (six in a row) in November, but Gregg Popovich had warned that time would have to be given to Wembanyama, No.1 in the draft in June and pressed at 19 by the highest expectations. crazy. How can we not believe this long-time master, the most successful coach in NBA history, in place since 1996?
“There is no magic formula, it has to go through lots of stages,” warned “Pop” at the start of the season. “Fortunately, he is an intelligent, serious, conscientious young man. He will surely become a great player, but he has to learn first. He listens and understands everything, it’s as simple as that. His parents did a great job. It’s up to me not to ruin it.”
No one imagines the American failing, he who was able to lead David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker to the top, winning five championship titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 for six contested finals (defeat in 2013).
Far from the NBA Finals that Spurs fans are dreaming of again, Popovich first wants to understand the French giant (2.24 m) with unique agility for his size.
“We promised with the staff to observe him for a while, he is only 19 years old. We want to let him do it and see where he feels best. We don’t yet know what his game will look like in the future. Where will it be most effective? In the racket? Transitioning? On a wing? We give him the freedom to shoot from afar. I don’t want to overcoach.”
The only point the coach insists on: “solidity in defense. »
This game, not yet built with systems around the Frenchman, can explain the numerous calls from “Wemby” not served by his teammates for his first games in the NBA since October 25.
In a sometimes uncertain league, Wembanyama was pleased to land in the “cocoon” of the Spurs, where Popovich, who overplays his grumpy side, likes to brood and see his players grow.
“I had “Pop” on the phone before the draft. We’re going to play basketball, eat together, enjoy, have fun. In one conversation with him, I understood the experience and the know-how,” Wembanyama says of his new Jedi master.
“He is paternalistic as we know how to do in France,” agrees Jacques Monclar, ex-coach and international player consultant for beIN Sports. “With Victor it’s a great meeting. He is also a coach used to international players.
Popovich is international by birth, with a Serbian father and a Croatian mother. This former officer, captain of the American armed forces team, traveled through Eastern Europe and the USSR in the 1980s, becoming aware of the richness of basketball outside the United States.
Without filter, this long-time critic of ex-President Donald Trump paid for the scalp this week of pro-Trump senator Tommy Tuberville, a “stupid little man”, who is blocking promotions in the army to weigh against pro-abortion policies.
At 74, the Hall of Famer extended his contract with the San Antonio Spurs for five years for what looks like one last challenge, a “makeover” hailed his former protégé, Warriors coach Steve Kerr from Golden State.
“Makeover of what? Am I coming out of an asylum or depression? Steve is an ass,” Popovich falsely took offense.
In recent days, however, he has sometimes appeared annoyed. “You have to get tired of getting your ass kicked,” he said Tuesday after another heavy defeat in Oklahoma City (123-87).
Last in the Western Association last season (22 wins – 60 losses), the Spurs (3 wins – 8 losses so far) indeed need success to “validate their development”. “Winning is an important factor in learning,” assures the coach.
See you against Sacramento on Friday to continue to grow.
