Victor Wembanyama’s ‘Honeymoon Period’ seems to have come to an end. Throughout his rookie season, the Spurs star was lauded for his performances that quickly made him a household name. Now, however, the player has come under a bigger microscope, with his performances being analyzed to determine the areas of improvement. Therefore, despite Wemby’s triple-double and the Spurs securing the win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, acting head coach Mitch Johnson did not shy away from making his critique known.

During the post-game press conference, Johnson revealed his honest opinion on Wemby’s performance, stating that the French player “had some very poor moments in the first 3 quarters. In terms of fundamentals and solid basketball.” However, how Wemby was able to turn things around in the 4th quarter impressed the coach.

This revealed to him that the 20-year-old can excel when he focuses on one of his player aspects. On the NBA court, however, one has to make switches from time to time. If the first 3 quarters of the Spurs-Kings game were any indication, it is that the Frenchman needs to grow and avoid fundamental errors.

“It’s his biggest strength in those times that can be people’s…. not weakness, but the things that they have to grow into, or learn from is, ‘He can do everything.’ And so, when you have that many options on the menu to think you’re gonna pick the right one, every time, is tough,” said Johnson. “And he’s a young player that’s learning how to use all these weapons that he has. And so, I think there’s, you know, obviously tremendous belief in great support for him, as he learns when and where to utilize all those weapons.”

Johnson’s remarks came amidst a 20-game run that has seen Victor Wembanyama faltering from time to time. Despite his average score being higher, some criticism had been levied on not shooting enough 3s off the dribble. His air-balled one-legged attempt against the previous Spurs-Kings came on the radar of quite a few reports.

Johnson further added, “I think just constantly holding himself accountable as he does, of the fundamental simple stuff, is what will allow those things to pop off the page.”

During Sunday’s game, Wembanyama recorded four of his five turnovers within the first three quarters, and Sacramento led by over 17 points at one time. In clutch time, however, the 7-foot-3 star recorded 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting. He accompanied that with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. By the time the game was over, Wembanyama had recorded the 3 triple-double of his career (34 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists). That sudden burst certainly helped the Spurs. However, the fact that it didn’t come earlier may have caused Johnson to admit the bitter truth.

Victor Wembanyama welcomes the change that Mitch Johnson brings to the Spurs

Gregg Popovich has led the San Antonio Spurs for 28 years. Therefore, putting the team in the hands of anyone else but him would seem unusual. However, Mitch Johnson himself worked and learned under the 75-year-old for five years. On top of that, he had earlier served as the acting head coach of the Spurs on two separate occasions. Therefore, no one could deny his experience level.

In the first 7 games played within his recent promotion to acting head coach, the Spurs won 4 times. This displayed a good enough confidence amongst the players, including Wemby, that Johnson seemed to know what he was doing.

In the aftermath of the Spurs’ win against the Washington Wizards in mid-November, Wembanyama gave his flowers to Mitch Johnson. “I think everyone likes it. It also brings a new dynamic, and he’s had a different kind of impact on us sometimes. So we’re winning games. Mitch has our total trust.”

Under the guidance of Mitch Johnson, the San Antonio Spurs are going through a change. Given the precarious position they held in the standings during the previous two seasons, it is a good improvement for them to have an 11-9 record. The question that now remains to be answered is whether the squad, including Victor Wembanyama, can improve upon these stats.