NBA Free Agency: Victor Wembanyama Can Do What Tim Duncan Never Could for Spurs, Claims ESPN Insider

The San Antonio Spurs struck gold with the next top ‘generational talent’ Victor Wembanyama, during the 2023 NBA Draft. Standing at an impressive 7’4 at just 20 years of age, the young French phenom has showcased his prowess early on. His rookie performance exceeded every expectation and then some more. The No.1 pick finished his first season with the Spurs averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and a league-leading 3.6 blocks.

And who is the only other player to do so in a single season? Why, it was none other than the NBA legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But of course, Wemby was meant to have his name uttered along the all-time greats at every turn. Interestingly, it seems like the 2024 Rookie of the Year might even accomplish a feat that one of the Spurs’ all-time legends, Tim Duncan, could never do.

At least, that is what NBA insider Andrew Lopez says to be the case. “The Spurs could become a destination for players who want to play with the one-of-a-kind superstar,” the ESPN reporter wrote. “Wembanyama recently said on a Ringer podcast that other players, including prospects, have already reached out to him, saying they would like to team up.”

Anybody who knows a thing or two about San Antonio will know that top names in the league weren’t exactly fighting to land in the Spurs. ‘The Volunteer State’ has certainly produced some of the globally recognized names in the world of basketball, namely David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and, of course, Duncan, among others. However, they were, for lack of a better word, homegrown talents.

The Spurs selected Robinson in 1987, who returned to the court after his naval service in ’89. Forward to 1997 and the Spurs, on account of the third-worst record and an injured Robinson, got the top pick. They went ahead with the ‘Big Fundamental’. Along with David, the two came to be known as the ‘Twin Towers’. The same can be said of both Parker and Ginobili. They were the 28th and 57th picks, respectively, who turned out to be the most prominent ‘Big 3’ in the history of the NBA.

What makes Victor Wembanyama different?

To answer this, let’s take a look at what another ESPN analyst said of the NBA All-Defensive First Teamer. Jonathan Givony, in his appearance on The Ringer’s Draft Show, said, “Every free agent, all the veteran guards that are going to be in the market, they all want to play with Victor.” And they have plenty of reasons to join hands with the ‘Extraterrestrial’.

For one, the defensive attention he draws ensures that his teammates get open looks, effectively creating easy buckets. His shot-blocking ability is off the charts too. Well, what did we expect him to do with that 8-foot wingspan? Deny his opponents at the rim, that’s what! Add to it that he has the skills to make any guard look good with those impeccably above-the-rim finishes.

Given how he is focusing on bettering his offense, he can be a double threat. For someone of his size, Wemby moves with exceptional fluidity and grace. In fact, his first-ever NBA game saw Victor put up 25 points; a score rather impressive. Combine that with his distinguished basketball IQ and astute court vision, his opponents would rather be on his side of the floor than face him.

Pop has made it clear that they have no plan to rush things. But the loaded free agents available this offseason are not something they will get in the coming years. Also, Lopez brought attention to the fact that a veteran NBA player told ESPN that “he believes other vets will take less money to play with Wembanyama because he could increase their chances of winning.”

So, the ball is in the Spurs’ court now. With close to $30 million cap space available, San Antonio does have the resources to sign a good deal. Will they? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!