ESPN Employee Upset With Spurs as Victor Wembanyama Hype Threatens to Fade

The hype around Victor Wembanyama’s name since last year has been insane. The French national almost had the NBA world in a figurative chokehold for a long time. However, as his rookie season started progressing, the hype began to fade away. Although it’s a bit unfair to put such expectations on a 19-year-old, it didn’t stop people from setting a bar for him.

Recently, NBA veteran JJ Redick talked about the impact of Wembanyama’s presence on the San Antonio Spurs team. He said that they have not yet figured out how to compliment the youngster’s game.

JJ Redick blasts the Spurs for Victor Wembanyama

Redick said that he is utterly disappointed with the way the team is utilizing Wembanyama. Letting out his frustration on The Old Man & The Three podcast, he said, “Why am I watching Cedi Osman and Zach Collins’ two-man game with Wembanyama on the floor? Why am I watching that?” Timothy Legler said that he does have an answer for this and he has had this thought from the very first night. He said that coach Gregg Popovich is going out of his way to ensure that Wembanyama feels no pressure. As per Legler, Popovich is depending a bit too much on the 19-year-old.

The Spurs are currently going through a horrible phase as a franchise. Right now they are at the bottom of the Western Conference table with a record of 3-19. What’s even more crushing is that they have lost 17 games in a row, creating a franchise record that they’d like to forget as soon as possible. This 17-game losing streak is not only going to cost them their chances in this year’s championship run but it will also have an adverse effect on their players, especially the younger ones.

Although the records are pointing against the Spurs right now, putting Wembanyama on blast can be classified unfair.

Read More: Is Shaquille O’Neal Right in Calling Out the Victor Wembanyama Hype Train With His Bol Bol Comparison?

Is the Victor Wembanyama hype train coming to a halt?

Wambanyama’s hype was akin to what the league witnessed when LeBron James burst onto the scene. So when you start there, it’s obvious that a lot will be expected out of you. This is exactly what Wembanyama is going through right now. Over the last few months, he has been heavily scrutinized by fans and pundits alike.

What people often fail to realize is that his performances are not subpar at all this season. He is averaging 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds so far. As for carrying the team on his back, he has spent a grand total of almost two months playing the highest level of basketball. Despite all his talents, Wembanyama needs time to settle in and maybe, we’ll get to see him deliver as expected.

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