“Hammer His A**”: Gregg Popovich Issues Major Victor Wembanyama Warning to Reigning MVP Joel Embiid

The San Antonio Spurs will go head-to-head against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. And rookie Victor Wembanyama might be facing the biggest challenge of his young NBA career as he takes on the reigning MVP Joel Embiid. The two big men will face each other for the first time, and the NBA World is looking forward to their duel. With Embiid playing at an MVP level, it will be a true test for the 20-year-old Spurs rookie.

However, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was unfazed by the challenge and issued a major Wembanyama warning to Joel Embiid ahead of their highly anticipated match-up.

Gregg Popovich reveals strategy to stop Joel Embiid

When Gregg Popovich was asked what he was looking forward to the most in the Joel Embiid-Victor Wembanyama match-up, the head coach came up with a hilarious response. “We’re gonna hammer his a**.” Coach Pop said. Popovich revealed that he wanted Wembanyama to back Embiid down on the post and throw him through the rim. Popovich’s response was in good humor as he is famous for his witty and sarcastic comments during interviews. The head coach ended with, “Don’t tell Wemby I said that.” as the interviewers chuckled.

Even though Popovich was joking about Wembanyama bullying Embiid, the rookie might have to use those tactics to get the upper hand on the reigning MVP. Joel Embiid has dominated his opponents throughout the season. He is leading the league in scoring with 35 points per game. And Wemby will have to use his 7’5 frame and physicality to tire Embiid out and make him work on both ends of the floor. Wembanyama is one of the few players with a height advantage over Embiid. And he should use that in his favor.

The Present vs. The Future

The NBA world is desperate to see which superstar comes out on top tonight because one is arguably the best player in the league right now, and the other is the future face of the organization. Embiid has continued his dominant form from last season and is on course to becoming a back-to-back MVP. He is averaging 35 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Embiid has led the Sixers to the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 28-13 record. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama has been the frontrunner to win the ROTY award throughout the season.

Read More: Spurs Injury Report: Will Victor Wembanyama Play Against Joel Embiid Tonight in a Blockbuster Clash vs the 76ers?

Wembanyama is averaging 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks in his rookie season. He leads the rookies in multiple categories, including points, rebounds, blocks, and efficiency. Wembanyma is also the league leader in blocks at just 20 years old. With both superstars having a dominant season, the NBA world can look forward to a historic duel tonight.

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