The Parisian Patisserie of Victor Wembanyama

[Gibbz]

No one ahead of Eason that played fewer minutes

So you miscomprehend my original note and now bring up a role player comp, which is also incorrect cause Steph has played fewer minutes than Eason. Home run, champ.

[Vince Carter's ankle]

To draw fouls, you need to be physical. Have you seen Wemby’s body? And you want him to be physical? Again his overall usage is already high because he plays both sides of the court, anchoring the team defense, leading DPOY candidate, and highest team scoring with 23 pts. At 235 lbs stick. And you want him to be more physical?
Softbanyama's free throw attempts have dropped since last season

[TheBallsbreakers]

Is our golden boy playing tonight?

[Joseph Kony]

https://i.ibb.co/cDxnyPX/EAST.png
https://i.ibb.co/5WT92K5/WEST.png

Vic is currently 10th in the NBA in LEBRON rating, 6th in the West

[spursparker9]

12 more games to miss before disqualifying from DPOY

[skin27]

Timmy didn’t average 30 pts and he lasted 19 years, and the goat PF. You don’t play your franchise player (especially with Wemby’s body type) into the ground and risk injuries. You have Castle and Sochan increase their productions instead. How long have you been a Spurs fan, and not know Spurs manage minutes, and retire them with long 16-19 years Hofer careers.

im a spurs fan since 2003. But now im more of a wemby fan. So i want wemby to exceed the expectations on him and be in the goat conversation someday. He needs individual accolades ( multiple MVP’s, Finals MVP’s, all NBA 1st team’s, all denfense, allstart selections, etc..) and ofcourse Multiple championships to be in the goat conversation.

[spursistan]

Glad to see Wemby tough it out while being clearly hampered by the back. It is a good learning experience because in few years when we are in deep playoffs series, he is going to have to get it done while not being 100% health-wise.

PS. these 4 days of rest couldn't have come at a better time for him.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q7ONYu-KUI

[tonight...you]

im a spurs fan since 2003. But now im more of a wemby fan. So i want wemby to exceed the expectations on him and be in the goat conversation someday. He needs individual accolades ( multiple MVP’s, Finals MVP’s, all NBA 1st team’s, all denfense, allstart selections, etc..) and ofcourse Multiple championships to be in the goat conversation.
Okay so don't take you seriously, or even care. You have your agenda.
Got it.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hH7rb4qJuM

[TheBallsbreakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXbcUPguaZ4

Great vid. TP says here that RC's been talking about Wemby since Wemby was 12 years old.
Damn.

[exstatic]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXbcUPguaZ4

Great vid. TP says here that RC's been talking about Wemby since Wemby was 12 years old.
Damn.

Just read somewhere that they were on Castle for more than a few years, too. They have connections on connections. Probably Boris and Tony for Wemby, and Castle’s dad went to Wake with Tim.

[BatManu20]

Wemby discussion starts around the 14:40 mark. Great interview between these old rivals tbh.


LXbcUPguaZ4?si=-V7NkmD5V-nCVugp

[Sugus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXbcUPguaZ4

Great vid. TP says here that RC's been talking about Wemby since Wemby was 12 years old.
Damn.

Yet folks here act like the Spurs' heist of getting Wemby was all luck, no skill. Despite repeated evidence towards the overarching plans in motion.

[Seventyniner]

Yet folks here act like the Spurs' heist of getting Wemby was all luck, no skill. Despite repeated evidence towards the overarching plans in motion.

Tanking at just the right time to maximize the Wemby chance at 14.0% was skill, but actually hitting that 14.0% chance was luck. It takes both given the lottery system in place.

The Spurs having extensively scouted Wemby and Castle for years before their drafts tells me that they just do shit tons of due diligence. There's no way that they put this much work into scouting only Wemby and Castle specifically and then luck into picking them.

[LeBowen]

Tanking at just the right time to maximize the Wemby chance at 14.0% was skill, but actually hitting that 14.0% chance was luck. It takes both given the lottery system in place.

The Spurs having extensively scouted Wemby and Castle for years before their drafts tells me that they just do shit tons of due diligence. There's no way that they put this much work into scouting only Wemby and Castle specifically and then luck into picking them.

And even with all the due diligence they can make wrong choices. Happens to everyone, but still.
Back when they drafted Samanic and everyone wondered why, media narrative was that RC personally scouted him for years, went to Slovenia multiple times etc.
Due diligence also got exposed by Primo, imo that's a way bigger fuck up actual basketball evaluation. Noone becomes a degenerate just like that.

[scott]

Yet folks here act like the Spurs' heist of getting Wemby was all luck, no skill. Despite repeated evidence towards the overarching plans in motion.

I don't think skill v luck is the right way of looking at it. They may have known for years in advance that Wemby was this generational talent they wanted. It still doesn't take away from the fact that landing the luck of hitting 14% odds. And the "skill" of identifying Wemby all those years in advance didn't give you any greater advantage versus the other teams who had 14% odds.

In fact, I'd argue, if our skill is being able to identify top tear talent that require top picks to acquire... and we are relying on that skill, then that is a bad strategy, because it requires so much luck to pull off.

If our skill, however, is identifying talent period... well, then that's great and I hope we continue to exploit that skill. (I would love to see this skill start being utilized with our SRPs, personally, but that is a minor quibble).

[LeBowen]

If our skill, however, is identifying talent period... well, then that's great and I hope we continue to exploit that skill. (I would love to see this skill start being utilized with our SRPs, personally, but that is a minor quibble).

Since I'm bored, current roster evaluation based on situation when we got them.

Tre - obviously a great SRP.
CP3 - I think they did well identifying he's got a year or two left in the tank because he looked washed last season.
Castle - looks like the best player in the draft, period. I don't think he was that hard to identify since it's such a weak draft, though. Would be interesting to know if Spurs would've picked him over top3 picks if they had the chance.
Devin - another very good selection. Yeah, Haliburton was picked right after, but we had DJ and Derrick on the roster at the time and weren't in tank mode.
Wesley - they obviously wanted another DJ, he might've looked like he has the tools but probably won't develop.
Branham - this is probably the worst one because Braun is a way better player in the same position and was picked right after, with some other good player also not being selected with these two picks.
Sidy - took a chance with a SRP, obvious defensive upside, not developing offensively.
Keldon - he peaked way lower than we hoped, but still great value for a #29 pick.
Champagnie - honestly a masterstroke. Got a long-term rotation member on a bargain deal after he was cut by another team.
Jeremy - other than JWill we can't really complain, solid pick.
Mamu - another solid claim after he got cut.
Barnes - probably doesn't need to be on the list, known quantity and got paid to take him.
Bassey - should've been another masterstroke if he didn't get injured, still a really good move.
Wemby - obviously they were in on him from the early days, but seeing he's once in a lifetime talent was a no-brainer.
Collins - got fooled by contract year, absolute disaster.

Overall a really good job, obviously Collins being the big mistake and mostly Branham being a disappointment because Wesley was always going to be a project.
If not for failed Samanic and Primo picks that had very little justification behind them, we wouldn't be able to complain about any talent evaluation.
Wright has also proven he's a great salesman, but starting next summer we'll need him to upgrade the roster with bigger moves, something he hasn't done so far.

Until then, I'd like to see a couple more attempts at getting rotation pieces for bargains, like they did with Champ and Bassey.

[scott]

While I think Branham and (to a lesser extent) Wesley suck, I don't fault those picks at all. Their outcomes are about what you can expect from late FRPs these days. It's just the nature of those picks.

I will generally give Wright credit where I wasn't ready to a year ago. The talent evaluation is looking better after some time than it did. Kudos on that.

With that said, real praise needs to be withheld until we're truly a playoff contender. We haven't accomplished anything yet. With that said... we're on the right track. Wright needs to make some impactful acquisitions in this next phase, and he'll have earned a place at being considered a Top GM (IMO).

[ambchang]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXbcUPguaZ4

Great vid. TP says here that RC's been talking about Wemby since Wemby was 12 years old.
Damn.

That’s why they got the 20131 pick.

[lefty]

Wemby discussion starts around the 14:40 mark. Great interview between these old rivals tbh.


LXbcUPguaZ4?si=-V7NkmD5V-nCVugp

Rivals?
Wtf, TP wasn’t on the same level

Rivals :lol

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Rivals?
Wtf, TP wasn’t on the same level

Rivals :lol
he was from 2011 to 2014

[ambchang]

Rivals?
Wtf, TP wasn’t on the same level

Rivals :lol

C'mon lefty, put a little more effort in your trolling. Porker was elite during the early 10's, while Duncan was everything that the Spurs system was built around, Parker was probably the best player on the Spurs in that 3/4 year stretch.

[LeBowen]

9th on MVP ladder.

[cutewizard]

Manu should have been 2005 Finals Co MVP

[Pauleta14]

Manu should have been 2005 Finals Co MVP

MVP. Period.

[Thomas82]

MVP. Period.

Yeah, Manu was deserving. But it was hard to go against Tim Duncan battling the Wallaces on 2 sprained ankles and how he wouldn't let us lose Game 7. I would have loved it if both could have been co-MVP at least.

[cutewizard]

Yup

[cutewizard]

We have the same record as the Lakers

Hahahahahahahh

[Pauleta14]

Yeah, Manu was deserving. But it was hard to go against Tim Duncan batting the Wallaces on 2 sprained ankles and how he wouldn't let us lose Game 7. I would have loved it if both could have been co-MVP at least.

I wasn't diminishing TD's production, of course he was massive vs the Wallaces but he also struggled like I've rarely or maybe never seen him struggle and couldn't even be reliable at the FT line.

Manu was the real difference maker between 2 very very close teams. They just couldn't stop him

Manu deserved the MVP the same way TP got it in 07' despite TD being the anchor as well

[Thomas82]

I wasn't diminishing TD's production, of course he was massive vs the Wallaces but he also struggled like I've rarely or maybe never seen him struggle and couldn't even be reliable at the FT line.

Manu was the real difference maker between 2 very very close teams. They just couldn't stop him

Manu deserved the MVP the same way TP got it in 07' despite TD being the anchor as well

I fully understood what you meant, and I agree that Manu would have been justified in being voted Finals MVP. It didn't come across to me like you were diminishing TD either. My post was just me saying that those things might have factored heavily into why he edged out Manu for the award.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdw56VIBnFM

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnwx4rC3wd4

[skin27]

Wenby needs to play better than Anthony Davis to get that allstar starter spot

[exstatic]

Wenby needs to play better than Anthony Davis to get that allstar starter spot

No he doesn’t, he just needs more fan votes.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gmxLE3WYmw

[skin27]

No he doesn’t, he just needs more fan votes.


but he needs to play better to be selected in the allstar team.

[skin27]

No he doesn’t, he just needs more fan votes.


is voting even started or not yet?

[John B]

Wemby is a 7’5” phenom who people wants to see. No way he doesn’t make the AS this year or the next 15 years. He should’ve been there last year if not for Spurs stealth tanking for Castle.

[exstatic]

but he needs to play better to be selected in the allstar team.


is voting even started or not yet?

It’s a popularity contest, and he’s pretty popular.

[skin27]

It’s a popularity contest, and he’s pretty popular.

yes for startes.. but not for reserves

[skin27]

It’s a popularity contest, and he’s pretty popular.

I think his popularity goes down a little bit this year because of less higlight reels.

[timtonymanu]

If the Spurs can stay at a .500 record towards the ASB, Wemby will easily make the all star team. I don’t really care if he’s a starter but he should get voted in by coaches.

Likely all stars: SGA, Morant, Shampoo (Sengun), Luka, Kyrie, Curry, Jokic, Edwards, Durant, Harden, Wemby, Davis.

Hopefully Lebron continues his hiatus cause he will still get the fan vote but no way does Lebron deserve to make the all star team this year over Wemby. Booker is another one that could get in.

[exstatic]

Wenby needs to play better than Anthony Davis to get that allstar starter spot


It’s a popularity contest, and he’s pretty popular.


yes for startes.. but not for reserves

Posted without further comment…

[MannyIsGod]

Rivals?
Wtf, TP wasn’t on the same level

Rivals :lol

You're right TP was on a greater level as a Finals MVP and 4 time champ.

[timtonymanu]

You're right TP was on a greater level as a Finals MVP and 4 time champ.

Lefty has been using that “TP sucks” schtick forever now, I don’t take it seriously anymore.

[skin27]

One problem with wemby’s offense is that he cant drive to the basket from the 3pt line/perimeter cause he’s dribble is so high and result to a turnover/strip also you cant rely on him to dominate close to the basket because he doesnt have a post up game. So his offense is stuck on jacking up 3s. He doesnt even have midrange game even though he is more efficient on it than jacking up 10 3’s a game

[cutewizard]

Hope he works on an offensive skillset next summer

[Pauleta14]

One problem with wemby’s offense is that he cant drive to the basket from the 3pt line/perimeter cause he’s dribble is so high and result to a turnover/strip also you cant rely on him to dominate close to the basket because he doesnt have a post up game. So his offense is stuck on jacking up 3s. He doesnt even have midrange game even though he is more efficient on it than jacking up 10 3’s a game

He shouldn't even have to penetrate with the ball with a simple triangle passing game. But he (used to) rarely see the ball back when he passes it on the wing and ends up alone under the basket.

As long as the roster will be full of low IQ low fundamentals players, it'll be an issue. We all agreed since the start that Wemby needs to be surrounded by high IQ and passing players but he has to deal with Sochan (who need to go back to the becnh asap) or Champ who have below average court vision,

Mitch is also letting stuff go that Pop wouldn't

[ace3g]

https://x.com/AirlessJordan/status/1868688789104951333

[Frenchfred]

He shouldn't even have to penetrate with the ball with a simple triangle passing game. But he (used to) rarely see the ball back when he passes it on the wing and ends up alone under the basket.

As long as the roster will be full of low IQ low fundamentals players, it'll be an issue. We all agreed since the start that Wemby needs to be surrounded by high IQ and passing players but he has to deal with Sochan (who need to go back to the becnh asap) or Champ who have below average court vision,

Mitch is also letting stuff go that Pop wouldn't

It would help to have better players around him for sure but if he is a superstar he should be able to have a go-to move to allow him to take over some games.

[Pauleta14]

It would help to have better players around him for sure but if he is a superstar he should be able to have a go-to move to allow him to take over some games.

I agree and mentioned it in another post.

I think he's being too greedy and needs to simplify his game in the paint rather than taking 5sec all the time hopping to get a cutter or open guy to pass to.

But in terms of energy expenditure, a better passing game (plan) would save him a lot for the defensive end rather than him going 1vs1 so often.

[Sugus]

I don't think skill v luck is the right way of looking at it. They may have known for years in advance that Wemby was this generational talent they wanted. It still doesn't take away from the fact that landing the luck of hitting 14% odds. And the "skill" of identifying Wemby all those years in advance didn't give you any greater advantage versus the other teams who had 14% odds.

In fact, I'd argue, if our skill is being able to identify top tear talent that require top picks to acquire... and we are relying on that skill, then that is a bad strategy, because it requires so much luck to pull off.

If our skill, however, is identifying talent period... well, then that's great and I hope we continue to exploit that skill. (I would love to see this skill start being utilized with our SRPs, personally, but that is a minor quibble).

Sorry for a late reply.

I partially agree. Of course you have to actually land the 14% odds - I'm not saying he was handed to the Spurs (unless you believe the theories :lol). But I disagree that the "skill" (not what I'd call it but w/e) didn't give them any greater advantage -- the Spurs absolutely came "firing out of the gates" in terms of being prepared to get the best possible odds to land Wemby.

If putting yourself in the best possible position to get lucky isn't a skill, then what is, tbh? I'd argue it's almost all that matters in this world. There's no "right time" without a "right place", is there?

At the end of the day, my comment was a response to the years-long charade SpursTalk basement dwellers have gone on; from first criticizing the Spurs for choosing not to tank, to then complaining they weren't "picking a direction", to then complaining about the direction taken, only for the Spurs to absolutely nail their "Process" and grab the generational player. And still, to this day, there's hardly any recognition here for their work.

And as one of the few posters in this board who doesn't hate or B&M about every single move the Spurs make.... I like to remind people of this every now and then. For a forum that has complained so much and so incessantly about their front office, the Spurs are in a damn good position, and that's not luck, that's talent. I'm talking beyond Wemby here.

[Sugus]

Since I'm bored, current roster evaluation based on situation when we got them.

Overall a really good job, obviously Collins being the big mistake and mostly Branham being a disappointment because Wesley was always going to be a project.
If not for failed Samanic and Primo picks that had very little justification behind them, we wouldn't be able to complain about any talent evaluation.
Wright has also proven he's a great salesman, but starting next summer we'll need him to upgrade the roster with bigger moves, something he hasn't done so far.

Until then, I'd like to see a couple more attempts at getting rotation pieces for bargains, like they did with Champ and Bassey.

Thank you for this analysis, this is exactly what I was going for. "Talent" is not just landing Wemby with the 14% odds, it's putting together cohesive groups of players that grow and play good basketball every year. The Spurs, through all their limitations of being a small market, spurn by their previous superstar, etc, do a much better job than most other teams do, and it tends to show if you're actually paying attention.

Sure, we still need the "turn into a contender" phase to kick, but what team doesn't? Patience is a virtue, and the Spurs look to be heading in a very good direction thus far.

[KingKev]

Looks like we have a better chance at seeing VW in The AS game with the new format!

[quentin_compson]

"Talking beyond Wemby" ... if not for lucking into him, this team would be absolutely terrible, and choosing Amen over Scoot or Brandon Miller or not or whatever would not really move the needle much for now or the next couple of years.
I will never quite understand why some people seem to have an almost religious fervor when it comes to either hating on or glorifying PATFO.

[Tyronn Lue]

"Talking beyond Wemby" ... if not for lucking into him, this team would be absolutely terrible, and choosing Amen over Scoot or Brandon Miller or not or whatever would not really move the needle much for now or the next couple of years.
I will never quite understand why some people seem to have an almost religious fervor when it comes to either hating on or glorifying PATFO.
People with religious fervor tendencies seem to have it for many things in an all or nothing manner.

[Pauleta14]

https://youtu.be/jrYzL_t3axM?si=AK5nB78JobgW-rth

[Sugus]

"Talking beyond Wemby" ... if not for lucking into him, this team would be absolutely terrible, and choosing Amen over Scoot or Brandon Miller or not or whatever would not really move the needle much for now or the next couple of years.
I will never quite understand why some people seem to have an almost religious fervor when it comes to either hating on or glorifying PATFO.

Wow, your best analysis of my post really was the ol' "if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle"? :lol

Why do you assume the team would be as constructed if the Spurs hadn't gotten Wemby? Why wouldn't the Spurs have re-tooled the roster to fit Amen or Miller or whoever? Why couldn't the Spurs use their wealthy chest of picks to acquire better or different talent in that scenario? You don't know at all...

If you actually cared to read my post, you'd see it's nowhere near "religious fervor" or whatever. Or is the Overton Window on ST so retarded right now that anything left of "FUCK PATFO" is seen as glorifying them, tbh?

[scott]

Wow, your best analysis of my post really was the ol' "if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle"? :lol

Why do you assume the team would be as constructed if the Spurs hadn't gotten Wemby? Why wouldn't the Spurs have re-tooled the roster to fit Amen or Miller or whoever? Why couldn't the Spurs use their wealthy chest of picks to acquire better or different talent in that scenario? You don't know at all...

If you actually cared to read my post, you'd see it's nowhere near "religious fervor" or whatever. Or is the Overton Window on ST so retarded right now that anything left of "FUCK PATFO" is seen as glorifying them, tbh?

This is actually a fun experiment.

From what I've read, the Spurs would have taken Miller #2 (I forgot who reported this the other day... might have been Tynan) and that they had Amen over Scoot. This are all great signs for the talent evaluation department that we had started to be concerned about.

So let's say the Spurs got Miller. Let's also assume they still draft Castle, since the Spurs certainly would have still been in position to draft him and all indications are that they had their eyes on him for a long time.

What move do you think the Spurs would have reasonably made differently? I think the only different moves would have been not signing CP3, and probably not trading for Barnes (though maybe, since it still would have netted us assets, though we'd probably be looking to flip Barnes). We probably would have used pick 8... and without Wemby maybe they go for Zach Edey. So I'd feel pretty confident that the lineup today would be something like Castle/Dev/Miller/Sochan/Collins. Maybe Tre in at PG and either Castle or Dev to the bench (probably Castle) and maybe Edey in for Collins. IMO, that team is significantly worse than the team we have right now (though maybe it could be good in the long run, though of course I'd still rather have Wemby).

The team has not shown a willingness to go out and make a big splashy move, and certainly I don't think they would if we had Miller (or Amen) instead of Wemby. If anything, I think Wemby makes us MORE likely to make an uncharacteristic big move.

So, I think it's pretty reasonable (though maybe still wrong) to say that if we didn't land Wemby, we'd still be pretty bad and probably looking towards the 2025 draft as the opportunity to get our Superstar to pair next to our other young guns in Dev/Sochan/Miller/Castle/Edey. If we have a long term view... that actually wouldn't be that bad of a place to be. Flagg, Harper or Egor added to those 5 might be pretty fun (and I think they all generally fit... if anything, Devin probably is the one who fits the least just from a timeline POV).

[Mitch Cumsteen]

This is actually a fun experiment.

From what I've read, the Spurs would have taken Miller #2 (I forgot who reported this the other day... might have been Tynan) and that they had Amen over Scoot. This are all great signs for the talent evaluation department that we had started to be concerned about.

So let's say the Spurs got Miller. Let's also assume they still draft Castle, since the Spurs certainly would have still been in position to draft him and all indications are that they had their eyes on him for a long time.

What move do you think the Spurs would have reasonably made differently? I think the only different moves would have been not signing CP3, and probably not trading for Barnes (though maybe, since it still would have netted us assets, though we'd probably be looking to flip Barnes). We probably would have used pick 8... and without Wemby maybe they go for Zach Edey. So I'd feel pretty confident that the lineup today would be something like Castle/Dev/Miller/Sochan/Collins. Maybe Tre in at PG and either Castle or Dev to the bench (probably Castle) and maybe Edey in for Collins. IMO, that team is significantly worse than the team we have right now (though maybe it could be good in the long run, though of course I'd still rather have Wemby).

The team has not shown a willingness to go out and make a big splashy move, and certainly I don't think they would if we had Miller (or Amen) instead of Wemby. If anything, I think Wemby makes us MORE likely to make an uncharacteristic big move.

So, I think it's pretty reasonable (though maybe still wrong) to say that if we didn't land Wemby, we'd still be pretty bad and probably looking towards the 2025 draft as the opportunity to get our Superstar to pair next to our other young guns in Dev/Sochan/Miller/Castle/Edey. If we have a long term view... that actually wouldn't be that bad of a place to be. Flagg, Harper or Egor added to those 5 might be pretty fun (and I think they all generally fit... if anything, Devin probably is the one who fits the least just from a timeline POV).

They for sure make that Barnes trade, even if they had no intention of him ever playing. It was a no brainer. They gave up absolutely nothing for him and an unprotected first round swap from the most futile franchise in the league. The fact that he has been a fantastic add both on and off the court is gravy. They could still flip him. But that trade was getting made Wemby or no Wemby, CP3 or no CP3.

[quentin_compson]

Wow, your best analysis of my post really was the ol' "if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle"? :lol

Why do you assume the team would be as constructed if the Spurs hadn't gotten Wemby? Why wouldn't the Spurs have re-tooled the roster to fit Amen or Miller or whoever? Why couldn't the Spurs use their wealthy chest of picks to acquire better or different talent in that scenario? You don't know at all...

If you actually cared to read my post, you'd see it's nowhere near "religious fervor" or whatever. Or is the Overton Window on ST so retarded right now that anything left of "FUCK PATFO" is seen as glorifying them, tbh?

The "religious fervor" thing was not directed at you at all. But I started my post quoting you, so fair enough if you read it that way. You don't come across as a poster with anything approaching religious fervor one way or the other to me.
Your post read a little like we should give PATFO more credit for actually scouting a hyped-up player and recognizing Wemby is a generational talent, which I frankly find absurd. Even the most incompetent FO in the league would have taken Wemby with the first pick, just for the hype alone.

Sure, if the Spurs had taken Amen or Miller or whomever, they might have made some other desicions as well. But do you really think the team would be close to play-in contention right now after years in the lottery if they had not gotten Wemby? My fear is that the game has passed PATFO by a little in recent years. I feel they might not quite be willing to acknowledge the big importance of shooting in today's NBA, for example. The largely same group of people who made great decisions 10 to 20 years ago might not be on top of the game as much anymore these days.

[100%duncan]

VOTE FOR WEMBY

[Larry O]

Back to the original SL: CP3, DV-24, Barnes, Sohound, and V-DUB1. LET'S GOOO!!!

[itzsoweezee]

24 field goal attempts last night was good. He’s got to get that many shots every night. Right now, he’s under 20 FGAs per game.

[LeBowen]

Updated MVP ladder, 8th place for Wemby.

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-dec-20-2024-edition

No way he gets into top5, but if he continues playing like this, he'll surely finish in 6th-8th range.

Hopefully he's 2nd team all-NBA this season.

[Seventyniner]

2nd team All-NBA is definitely on the table, and if he keeps playing like this he should be at least 3rd.

[TheBallsbreakers]

Updated MVP ladder, 8th place for Wemby.

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-dec-20-2024-edition

No way he gets into top5, but if he continues playing like this, he'll surely finish in 6th-8th range.

Hopefully he's 2nd team all-NBA this season.
No way? Still early in the season to be making definitive declarations about his ceiling.

[LeBowen]

No way? Still early in the season to be making definitive declarations about his ceiling.

Ceiling for the season.
SGA/Luka/Tatum/Giannis/Jokic is a lock for 1st team and they're top5 on MVP ladder.
Wemby won't be able to get into top5 MVP placement even if he averages 30ppg from now on simply because Spurs won't win even 45 games, probably not even 40.


2nd team All-NBA is definitely on the table, and if he keeps playing like this he should be at least 3rd.

I think 3rd is a lock.
They removed positions for all-NBA, will be interesting to see if he gets 2nd team.
All-NBA and DPOY will be a great second season.

[skin27]

Ceiling for the season.
SGA/Luka/Tatum/Giannis/Jokic is a lock for 1st team and they're top5 on MVP ladder.
Wemby won't be able to get into top5 MVP placement even if he averages 30ppg from now on simply because Spurs won't win even 45 games, probably not even 40.


I think 3rd is a lock.
They removed positions for all-NBA, will be interesting to see if he gets 2nd team.
All-NBA and DPOY will be a great second season.



if the spurs play well and get 7-8 game winning streak and end up with 45 wins with wemby leading the way , all nba 2nd team is a lock and might have a chance at all nba first team.

[MannyIsGod]

Some interesting things to pick up from Wemby's splits:

First, none of this is surprising, but the Spurs are incredibly dependent on how Wemby's shooting the 3 ball. In wins, Wemby is shooint .407 from the 3 point line, and in losses he's shooting .244. How well Wemby shoots from 3 is pretty much dictating whether the Spurs win or lose. His defensive rating is about the same in wins or losses, but his offensive rating goes from 123 in wins to 92 in losses. This is a gigantic swing! He has taken way more 3s in wins, and way fewer in losses (123 to 78).

Its 12 wins to 10 losses so the games are close but the shooting differences are stark. On one hand, the 3 point shot has more variance in general, but it also shows how much Wemby is reliant on it to have good games (which anyone watching should know). Still, I wasn't prepared for how different the splits would be. Watching last night I was struck that the 3 is his go to in so many situations and I'm torn on it. On one hand, having two points shots that are more reliable is something that is really important, but on another he hit some clutch 3s last night that were vital to the win and if he doesn't take them then he can't hit them.

[scott]

Some interesting things to pick up from Wemby's splits:

First, none of this is surprising, but the Spurs are incredibly dependent on how Wemby's shooting the 3 ball. In wins, Wemby is shooint .407 from the 3 point line, and in losses he's shooting .244. How well Wemby shoots from 3 is pretty much dictating whether the Spurs win or lose. His defensive rating is about the same in wins or losses, but his offensive rating goes from 123 in wins to 92 in losses. This is a gigantic swing! He has taken way more 3s in wins, and way fewer in losses (123 to 78).

Its 12 wins to 10 losses so the games are close but the shooting differences are stark. On one hand, the 3 point shot has more variance in general, but it also shows how much Wemby is reliant on it to have good games (which anyone watching should know). Still, I wasn't prepared for how different the splits would be. Watching last night I was struck that the 3 is his go to in so many situations and I'm torn on it. On one hand, having two points shots that are more reliable is something that is really important, but on another he hit some clutch 3s last night that were vital to the win and if he doesn't take them then he can't hit them.

This is a good observation, and I think the good news is that:



Wemby's 3P variance is decreasing (0.026 over the full season, down to 0.019 over the last 10 games)
slightly less reliance on the 3 (last night was his first game with over 10 attempts since 11/26 @ UTA, which at the time capped off a stretch of 5 straight games with more than 12 3PA)
anecdotally it seems like they're figuring out ways to get Wemby involved in the paint more as of late


With all that said... over Wemby's last 10 games (Spurs are 6-4), he's still shooting .409 in Ws and .211 in losses... so it appears that the relationship is still holding true, it's just less frequently pointing to L triggers. One other note, in those 6 wins he is averaging 11 3PA whereas in the 4 losses he is only at 9.5 3PA. Not a huge difference over a small sample, but hopefully it indicates that Wemby recognizes that when he isn't hitting, it hurts the team, and is curtailing the attempts.

[TheBallsbreakers]

This is a good observation, and I think the good news is that:



Wemby's 3P variance is decreasing (0.026 over the full season, down to 0.019 over the last 10 games)
slightly less reliance on the 3 (last night was his first game with over 10 attempts since 11/26 @ UTA, which at the time capped off a stretch of 5 straight games with more than 12 3PA)
anecdotally it seems like they're figuring out ways to get Wemby involved in the paint more as of late


With all that said... over Wemby's last 10 games (Spurs are 6-4), he's still shooting .409 in Ws and .211 in losses... so it appears that the relationship is still holding true, it's just less frequently pointing to L triggers. One other note, in those 6 wins he is averaging 11 3PA whereas in the 4 losses he is only at 9.5 3PA. Not a huge difference over a small sample, but hopefully it indicates that Wemby recognizes that when he isn't hitting, it hurts the team, and is curtailing the attempts.
Great stuff.

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFLcsSwnQY

[skin27]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFLcsSwnQY

We need Wemby’s signiture shoe

[ace3g]

https://x.com/AirlessJordan/status/1870667233820872886

[ace3g]

https://x.com/AirlessJordan/status/1870654445429903857

https://x.com/AirlessJordan/status/1870669538653876390

[CorrectCrusader]

Victor Wembanyama has jumped to the 3rd best player in the league (by EPM) after tonight's performance.
https://i.imgur.com/3Fbn5rB.png

[Tyronn Lue]

I think if in July 2024 someone told me the Spurs would be 15 and 13 the weekend before Christmas, I'd have considered that very optimistic.

[TheBallsbreakers]

Victor Wembanyama has jumped to the 3rd best player in the league (by EPM) after tonight's performance.
https://i.imgur.com/3Fbn5rB.png
He has good odds of winning Player of the Week, methinks.
Certainly a lock for the ASG if he keeps this up.

[Sugus]

This is actually a fun experiment.

What move do you think the Spurs would have reasonably made differently? (...)

You know? This is one thought experiment that I don't find fun at all, actually, for any team, not just the Spurs. Let me explain.

There's just so much that we as fans aren't privy to regarding FO workings. And this is not just a "cop-out" answer - we've actually seen, countless times, teams pulling off trades that NOBODY saw coming, no one could've predicted or explained, but that were possible and desirable due to a FO's inner machinations and planning. This season's KAT-Randle trade is a good example; I don't think anyone at all could have seen it coming (yes, KAT or someone had to go for cap reasons, but the reasonable assumption was to run it back at least one more season). So your entire premise (building a hypothetical trade scenario or simulations, based on a very incomplete set of facts) is already not good for me.

And, on the other hand but still very relevant -- I was watching the Hawks-Spurs highlights, and all I could think about was: the Doncic Trade. What a colossal, monumental failure for Atlanta! They even tried for years to delude themselves into thinking Trae was the better player, and then, that even if he wasn't, the extra pick they got made it "worth it" to lose out on a true Superstar talent.

Why do I bring it up? Because I see many ATL fans now complaing about their "bad luck" having their #1 pick fall in the non-Wemby draft..... But that's not all that happened. They had a superstar fall to their laps - and traded it away. A move SpursTalk would've, rightfully, never ever forgiven. And they would be in SUCH a better place today (they probably don't make the Dejounte trade at all, with Doncic being such a heliocentric player), it's ridiculous to think about. And yes, it's too easy to say "well the Spurs would've never traded Wemby away so whatever!!" but I would've said exactly that about Luka, pre-draft. Truth is, nobody fuckin' knows.

So there you go. My point: being a good FO is not only about the plans that work out, and the trades you make - it's just as much about the trades you don't make, keeping the powder dry, and waiting for the right chance then going all in on it. And that's exactly what I applaud the Spurs FO for -- not the "getting lucky with 14% odds" part. That's only the tip of the iceberg that is FO work, IMO.

[exstatic]

I think if in July 2024 someone told me the Spurs would be 15 and 13 the weekend before Christmas, I'd have considered that very optimistic.

A lot of starter games missed,too. We should have been competitive in those Laker games,but weren’t with Sochan sidelined.

[LeBowen]

And, on the other hand but still very relevant -- I was watching the Hawks-Spurs highlights, and all I could think about was: the Doncic Trade. What a colossal, monumental failure for Atlanta! They even tried for years to delude themselves into thinking Trae was the better player, and then, that even if he wasn't, the extra pick they got made it "worth it" to lose out on a true Superstar talent.

Why do I bring it up? Because I see many ATL fans now complaing about their "bad luck" having their #1 pick fall in the non-Wemby draft..... But that's not all that happened. They had a superstar fall to their laps - and traded it away. A move SpursTalk would've, rightfully, never ever forgiven. And they would be in SUCH a better place today (they probably don't make the Dejounte trade at all, with Doncic being such a heliocentric player), it's ridiculous to think about. And yes, it's too easy to say "well the Spurs would've never traded Wemby away so whatever!!" but I would've said exactly that about Luka, pre-draft. Truth is, nobody fuckin' knows.

I've said it even before that draft, anyone employed by an NBA franchise who even thought Luka wasn't a clear #1 in that draft should've been immediately fired and banned from working in the league ever again.
Suns and Kings are two other franchises that passed on him, two franchises that never won a championship and have been horrible for many years.


As for Wemby, I might sound like a homer, but I'm not sure I'm taking anyone other than Jokic and Giannis over him right now, if we're talking current ability. Maybe Luka, SGA and AD.
He's averaging 3.8 blocks while being actively avoided by everyone, beyond ridiculous.
We're talking about Champagnie as a great 3-D role player, but Wemby is shooting the same percentage on higher volume than him.

We'd obviously want him to be more active in the paint, but he's at 72% inside!

You can't tell me that Celtics wouldn't be doing even better if they replaced Tatum with Wemby.
Most of us in here watched Timmy's 19 yeras of defensive greatness and to say that Wemby can easily surprass him as a defender sounds preposterous, but it's a fact.

[SpursBills]

I still remember this board's reaction when the Spurs drafted Josh Primo over Sengun, and that was a decision that definitely shook my faith in the front office at the time. But compared to passing on Luka for Bagley or trading him for Trae Young, it looks like a huge nothing burger. This board might have crashed for weeks if that had happened.

[quentin_compson]

Man, the stat lines Wemby is producing in what is often barely 30 minutes on the court are fucking ridiculous.

[exstatic]

Man, the stat lines Wemby is producing in what is often barely 30 minutes on the court are fucking ridiculous.

I was almost wishing the game were closer so he could get the points/blocks/rebounds trip doub.

[skin27]

Only prblem now is his rebounding

[LeBowen]

Only prblem now is his rebounding

Not really because every game there are a couple of rebounds he just pushes to his teammates or even doesn't go for because the ball is clearly ours.
There aren't many situations where he doesn't get the rebound that should've been his.

For me personally the only actual issue are those sequences when he's out of rythm and isos result in dumb turnover, but there haven't been many of those as of late.

[exstatic]

Only prblem now is his rebounding

He’s half a rebound below last year, and Sochan has certainly picked up that and more with his improvement.

[Tyronn Lue]

Only prblem now is his rebounding
From a stats perspective yes, but he's not in the classical center position during these moments. Jokic is a statistical anomaly, he does everything and does it extremely efficiently and extremely well. Victor is in year 2, and he's deciding if he wants to focus on rebounds. I do feel like the Spurs allow too many offensive boards, but this NBA isn't the same as it was even 5 years ago. Teams stopped going for offensive boards so defenders maybe stopped boxing out.

[polandprzem]

Only prblem now is his rebounding

He is at 14 place now in the NBA. It's not that big of a problem since he got better in assists and overall placing on the floor. He is mostly outside the basket area and yes he is not great rebounder and ppl pushing him of some positions and he do not have that good feel for rebs.
But to say it's a problem?

He is not that great at everything yet.

[thiste]

With 341 Victor is now tied with Pascal Siakam for total career blocks, Siakam a 9 seasons NBA veteran Power Forward with multiple All-Stars & All-NBA.

He also passed Bruce Bowen (336) for total career blocks.

[scott]

You know? This is one thought experiment that I don't find fun at all, actually, for any team, not just the Spurs. Let me explain.

There's just so much that we as fans aren't privy to regarding FO workings. And this is not just a "cop-out" answer - we've actually seen, countless times, teams pulling off trades that NOBODY saw coming, no one could've predicted or explained, but that were possible and desirable due to a FO's inner machinations and planning. This season's KAT-Randle trade is a good example; I don't think anyone at all could have seen it coming (yes, KAT or someone had to go for cap reasons, but the reasonable assumption was to run it back at least one more season). So your entire premise (building a hypothetical trade scenario or simulations, based on a very incomplete set of facts) is already not good for me.

And, on the other hand but still very relevant -- I was watching the Hawks-Spurs highlights, and all I could think about was: the Doncic Trade. What a colossal, monumental failure for Atlanta! They even tried for years to delude themselves into thinking Trae was the better player, and then, that even if he wasn't, the extra pick they got made it "worth it" to lose out on a true Superstar talent.

Why do I bring it up? Because I see many ATL fans now complaing about their "bad luck" having their #1 pick fall in the non-Wemby draft..... But that's not all that happened. They had a superstar fall to their laps - and traded it away. A move SpursTalk would've, rightfully, never ever forgiven. And they would be in SUCH a better place today (they probably don't make the Dejounte trade at all, with Doncic being such a heliocentric player), it's ridiculous to think about. And yes, it's too easy to say "well the Spurs would've never traded Wemby away so whatever!!" but I would've said exactly that about Luka, pre-draft. Truth is, nobody fuckin' knows.

So there you go. My point: being a good FO is not only about the plans that work out, and the trades you make - it's just as much about the trades you don't make, keeping the powder dry, and waiting for the right chance then going all in on it. And that's exactly what I applaud the Spurs FO for -- not the "getting lucky with 14% odds" part. That's only the tip of the iceberg that is FO work, IMO.

Okay, so you don't like having to use your imagination. You could have just said that.

[scott]

Last year the Spurs averaged 44.23 reb/gm (11th in the league), this year we're at 44.89 (1oth in the league). Wemby doesn't need to individually collect all the rebounds to pad his stats... we're doing fine (though I'd love to see us be a Top 5 rebounding team).

A more important stat is Team REB%, and we were 8th in the league last year and are 8th in the league this year. Sochan's improvement on the boards and Bassey eating up Collins minutes are helping overall team rebounding. We just need to avoid those handful of lineups where our team rebounding takes a nosedive.

[polandprzem]

With 341 Victor is now tied with Pascal Siakam for total career blocks, Siakam a 9 seasons NBA veteran Power Forward with multiple All-Stars & All-NBA.

He also passed Bruce Bowen (336) for total career blocks.

Wemby is all time elite, so I think he is gonna break some records statistically

[exstatic]

GudiFDi8XgM

[LakerHater]

Man, if only he boarded better!

[lefty20]

1870948629940421114

[Raven]

lost opportunity for his quad dub

[exstatic]

lost opportunity for his quad dub

He was close to double rebounds with 7, but had only 3 assists and 0 steals, so I don’t see a close call on a quad doub.

[spursistan]

The advanced metrics are starting to bear out the fact: After a slow start, Wemby is playing like a legit Top 5-7 player in the league..

- 4th in BPM (+7.5)

- 3rd in EPM (+5.8)

- +14.6 on/off

- (-13.8) DFG% at rim

- 24.7 PTS - 10 REB - 3.9 AST - 3.8 BLKS on 60.6TS (%34.9 3PT - 87.5 FT%)

[exstatic]

The advanced metrics are starting to bear out the fact: After a slow start, Wemby is playing like a legit Top 5-7 player in the league..

- 4th in BPM (+7.5)

- 3rd in EPM (+5.8)

- +14.6 on/off

- (-13.8) DFG% at rim

- 24.7 PTS - 10 REB - 3.9 AST - 3.8 BLKS on 60.6TS (%34.9 3PT - 87.5 FT%)


He’s just ridiculous, but in a good way.

[Spurs Homer]

God forbid wemby goes on a mild 3-pt shooting slump...

you guys will be putting him on those trade-machine scenarios...for ....?

[lefty]

God forbid wemby goes on a mild 3-pt shooting slump...

you guys will be putting him on those trade-machine scenarios...for ....?
Sengun!

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1871239515148566811

PATFO better capitalize on Wemby's popularity, his career won't be another case of boring, fundamental, winning machine.
Spurs must generate more revenue that will enable them to pay luxury tax during Wemby's prime.

[Pauleta14]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1871239515148566811

PATFO better capitalize on Wemby's popularity, his career won't be another case of boring, fundamental, winning machine.
Spurs must generate more revenue that will enable them to pay luxury tax during Wemby's prime.

Spurs have (at least) a 2nd nationally televised game cancelled today, against DEN.

The whole Spurs org seems to still be in the "we love being old as dirt" era that Pop loved so much. They suck on Youtube or social media and have the worse marketing department of the league...

[DAF86]

Damn, just watched the flop. That was ugly. No reason to do that shit. He's just gonna win haters with that stuff.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iae-EYmqykY

[cutewizard]

at least he is composed and mature to take this learning lesson

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNWsjz_7eg

People saying Wemby is not Top 10. He is Top 25

[TheBallsbreakers]

Why TF hasn't anyone mentioned yet that he just got his first-ever Payer of the Week honors?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzKMGRIHSrA

[Pauleta14]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNWsjz_7eg

People saying Wemby is not Top 10. He is Top 25

By "people" you mean the Wos guy who clearly didn't watch much Wemby to laugh the way he did.

Even KOC seemed half offended half surprised by his reaction

[Pauleta14]

Why TF hasn't anyone mentioned yet that he just got his first-ever Payer of the Week honors?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzKMGRIHSrA

Because there's a thread dedicated to it ;)

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304620&goto=newpost

[thiste]

With 349, Victor has now passed Pascal Siakam, Carlos Boozer, Richard Jefferson, Evan Mobley & P.J. Washington for total career blocks.

[exstatic]

Why TF hasn't anyone mentioned yet that he just got his first-ever Payer of the Week honors?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzKMGRIHSrA

There is a thread just for the POtW.

[itzsoweezee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRNWsjz_7eg

People saying Wemby is not Top 10. He is Top 25

And water is wet. Wos is a long time Wemby hater. Top 5 is completely reasonable, maybe even expected, if the spurs end up with a top 6 seed. Regardless, there aren’t 10 players you can name better than wemby right now.

[cutewizard]

At the very least top 15

Hope he makes the all NBA 3rd team at least

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyElj2wjQCY

[skin27]

At the very least top 15

Hope he makes the all NBA 3rd team at least

he will make it if the spurs make the playoffs with him leading the way.

[Pauleta14]

Most people, "specialists" included, think offensive game when ranking players when IMHO it's only 50%

Of course Wemby isn't close yet to the best offensive players, he needs too much assistance for now, but when you add his ridiculous defensive impact to his already unfair offensive game, he's top4 with Jokic Giannis and SGA and has an argument to being the most valuable already if you take into account the Spurs's poor roster that has no business being a 50% team.

[skin27]

Who said wemby cant play 36 minutes a game? He just played 40 minutes:lmao

[DAF86]

He's already top 10 in the league. Might even be top 5. There aren't 5 players having a better season than him so far, that's for sure.

[TDMVPDPOY]

empty stats with team record break even...

[skin27]

He's already top 10 in the league. Might even be top 5. There aren't 5 players having a better season than him so far, that's for sure.

if spurs win the last 2 games vs sixers and knicks he could be in the top 5 in mvp race, unfortunately they loss on those to games

[skin27]

empty stats with team record break even...

no worries about that. Lebron and jordan did not make the playoff s on their year 2

[spursistan]

Difference between Wemby and the rest of the roster (save CP3) is not just the gulf of pure talent, but stuff like this: the little things that don't show up in the boxscore but emanates from high BBIQ and general court/situational awareness.. Spurs used to have a bunch of those guys back in the day (Timmy, Manu, Wingstop Bowen, etc..). This team is so severally lacking in players with intangibles and basketball smarts on top of basic skills .

https://x.com/MoDakhil_NBA/status/1871975520008798486

[DAF86]

1872666407705706649

Wemby 6th in NBA's MVP ladder.

[LeBowen]

1872666407705706649

Wemby 6th in NBA's MVP ladder.

Imagine how high would Fox be if he was a good player, am I right?
Wemby is 5th for all intents and purposes beacuse Luka won't play enough games, out for at least a month.
Should be between him and Mitchel for 1st team all-NBA if he keeps this up.

[DAF86]

Imagine how high would Fox be if he was a good player, am I right?
Wemby is 5th for all intents and purposes beacuse Luka won't play enough games, out for at least a month.
Should be between him and Mitchel for 1st team all-NBA if he keeps this up.

I've come around on Fox at the right price, tbh. He still wouldn't be anywhere close to my first option. Adding him just leaves very small room for flaws in a lineup (the other 3 guys besides Fox and Wemby would need all to be, at lest, average defenders and good shooters. What do we do with Sochan and Castle in that case?).

[Dejounte]

Difference between Wemby and the rest of the roster (save CP3) is not just the gulf of pure talent, but stuff like this: the little things that don't show up in the boxscore but emanates from high BBIQ and general court/situational awareness.. Spurs used to have a bunch of those guys back in the day (Timmy, Manu, Wingstop Bowen, etc..). This team is so severally lacking in players with intangibles and basketball smarts on top of basic skills .

https://x.com/MoDakhil_NBA/status/1871975520008798486

Last guy who also embodied this was Derrick White.

this is why I am not opposed to drafting Collin Murray Boyles even with Sochan on hand.

just get us smart players and figure it out later.

[LeBowen]

He still wouldn't be anywhere close to my first option.

I'd genuinely like you to go to Fox topic, scroll back to my lists of potential targets on every position and name the realistic players you'd rather get. Because there aren't any.


the other 3 guys besides Fox and Wemby would need all to be, at lest, average defenders and good shooters.

Fox is an average team defender due to his speed and the ability to read passing lanes. Scott posted all the defensive metrics in his topic.


What do we do with Sochan and Castle in that case?

That's the question regardless of who's our point guard. Would be the question even if we got Curry.
Imo, Sochan and Castle can't play together until at least one of them develops a reliable jumpshot.
If we assume no other deals would be made after Fox (Cam Jonhson anyone?), I'd start Fox/Champ/Barnes/Wemby and one of Castle/Sochan depending on the matchup.
They'd be point of attack defenders and glue guys, then it'd be about who could play better defense on opposition's best player.
That's if we're talking next season.

For this season it would definitely be CP3/Fox/Jeremy/Barnes/Wemby which I agree is suboptimal, but there's no chance CP3 gets benched.
If Fox asks for a trade before the deadline, we can lowball the Kings because the price certainly won't be rising on a player entering his final year.

In the end, back to my original question for you, check the Fox topic and I think you'll realize there aren't any better targets for us if we're talking all-stars who would be a solid fit with Wemby and wouldn't require a ridiculous haul to get them.
Other than Fox, we can just hope we strike gold in the draft or find another reclamation project who turns out to be way better than advertised.


Last guy who also embodied this was Derrick White.

this is why I am not opposed to drafting Collin Murray Boyles even with Sochan on hand.

just get us smart players and figure it out later.

I'm also all for BPA, but at some point it's just not worth it unless we plan on trading some of the current guys.
We already have a serious issue when it comes to Castle/Jeremy long-term fit, we just can't add another non-shooter. We simply must get a shooter in this draft, regardless of the position.
Or trade Jeremy, which I wouldn't be a fan of.

[Dejounte]

Many were opposed to drafting Castle because of his lack of displaying much shooting in college, but it was always in his bag.

the team needs top flight scorers, not strictly shooters.

scorers are hoopers who know how to play and exhibit great ball handling skill.

you don’t get to your spots if you don’t have good ball handling in the nba.

What im talking about is primarily a guard or wing, because the likelihood of a scorer coming from that position is high.

you’d have to be a unicorn or long, athletic 6’9” guy with guard skills to be a scorer otherwise. And those won’t be available where we’re picking anyways.

so the next best thing if the Spurs can’t find a scorer is to find players who can play. CMB can play. He’ll be a Naz Reid utility guy, maybe better.

bottomline: y’all need to think outside the box when it comes to shooters. Some players are hoopers and have all sort of skills hidden underneath. A guy who is used as a 3 and d shooter in college or overseas pro league isn’t likely to develop three level scoring like so many here thought Risacher could become. I said his ceiling was probably Rashard Lewis and he’s probably not even likely to meet that. I don’t think Wemby’s missing a Rashard Lewis type guy next to him. I think he needs an ISO scorer a la Kobe. Vassell dreamed he was that, but he’s not. I think the Spurs had the right idea with Vassell, but shit happens and he’s failing expectations. Time to try to find another guy that’s similar.

[LeBowen]

Many were opposed to drafting Castle because of his lack of displaying much shooting in college, but it was always in his bag.

We had only one non-shooter when we drafted Castle.
Obviously we can draft another non-shooter and never play him with Jeremy and/or Castle, but we need to address our shooting issues somehow.


the team needs top flight scorers, not strictly shooters.

Agreed, but in today's league you're not a top flight scorer if you aren't a good shooter unless you're a physical monster.


scorers are hoopers who know how to play and exhibit great ball handling skill.

I've hated that term ever since Harden said he's a hooper. I associate it with skilled, but lazy players who think their skill is enough and they don't need to always put the maximum effort in.


I don’t think Wemby’s missing a Rashard Lewis type guy next to him. I think he needs an ISO scorer a la Kobe. Vassell dreamed he was that, but he’s not. I think the Spurs had the right idea with Vassell, but shit happens and he’s failing expectations. Time to try to find another guy that’s similar.

I think Rashard type player is exactly what Wemby needs considering the rest of the roster and that's why I was desperate for Markkanen. That's why I wouldn't have anything against MPJ if he's available.
While we obviously need someone who's going to get to the rim at will, right now we're hoping Castle can be that guy. We'd enable him by having elite shooters around him and Wemby.
What we're doing right now won't work.

Over the past 4 games Victor has made 23 threes, the rest of the roster combined made 37.
Wemby can't be making almost 40% of threes the team makes. It's ridiculous. And it's not like they're not taking enough.

[chubbs]

softest player since shawn bradley

[Dejounte]

We had only one non-shooter when we drafted Castle.
Obviously we can draft another non-shooter and never play him with Jeremy and/or Castle, but we need to address our shooting issues somehow.



Agreed, but in today's league you're not a top flight scorer if you aren't a good shooter unless you're a physical monster.



I've hated that term ever since Harden said he's a hooper. I associate it with skilled, but lazy players who think their skill is enough and they don't need to always put the maximum effort in.



I think Rashard type player is exactly what Wemby needs considering the rest of the roster and that's why I was desperate for Markkanen. That's why I wouldn't have anything against MPJ if he's available.
While we obviously need someone who's going to get to the rim at will, right now we're hoping Castle can be that guy. We'd enable him by having elite shooters around him and Wemby.
What we're doing right now won't work.

Over the past 4 games Victor has made 23 threes, the rest of the roster combined made 37.
Wemby can't be making almost 40% of threes the team makes. It's ridiculous. And it's not like they're not taking enough.

Rashard on this team (and any team for that matter) as your top 3 guy would make this team a second round exit. Let’s pretend we had that type of player who made shots on a consistent basis. He’d get no more shot attempts than Barnes or Champagnie is having right now, with the way Wemby wants to play. It wouldn’t be a “Splash Bro” type acquisition. Wemby is not the playmaker that Curry is, and all that it would look like is a team that has all its shooters stand on the three point line, predictable drive and kicks, and nothing else. When it’s crunch time, Wemby needs his second best player to be able to make something happen when he can’t. Do you think when the playoffs are here, Rashard Lewis (or Markkanen) would be able to create something out of nothing? I don’t. And yet you wish the team would have a third of its cap invested in something like that. Naahhh, the Spurs and Wemby need more than just those types of players.

for the record, I was pro-Markkanen to come here and still am. I’m arguing the point that the team’s biggest need is a shooter / or that the Spurs should prioritize a shooter over everything else. That’s not the team’s biggest problem.

[DAF86]

I'd genuinely like you to go to Fox topic, scroll back to my lists of potential targets on every position and name the realistic players you'd rather get. Because there aren't any.



Fox is an average team defender due to his speed and the ability to read passing lanes. Scott posted all the defensive metrics in his topic.



That's the question regardless of who's our point guard. Would be the question even if we got Curry.
Imo, Sochan and Castle can't play together until at least one of them develops a reliable jumpshot.
If we assume no other deals would be made after Fox (Cam Jonhson anyone?), I'd start Fox/Champ/Barnes/Wemby and one of Castle/Sochan depending on the matchup.
They'd be point of attack defenders and glue guys, then it'd be about who could play better defense on opposition's best player.
That's if we're talking next season.

For this season it would definitely be CP3/Fox/Jeremy/Barnes/Wemby which I agree is suboptimal, but there's no chance CP3 gets benched.
If Fox asks for a trade before the deadline, we can lowball the Kings because the price certainly won't be rising on a player entering his final year.

In the end, back to my original question for you, check the Fox topic and I think you'll realize there aren't any better targets for us if we're talking all-stars who would be a solid fit with Wemby and wouldn't require a ridiculous haul to get them.
Other than Fox, we can just hope we strike gold in the draft or find another reclamation project who turns out to be way better than advertised.



I'm also all for BPA, but at some point it's just not worth it unless we plan on trading some of the current guys.
We already have a serious issue when it comes to Castle/Jeremy long-term fit, we just can't add another non-shooter. We simply must get a shooter in this draft, regardless of the position.
Or trade Jeremy, which I wouldn't be a fan of.

Yeah, I already saw that post/topic, our difference is that you seem way more desperate to add a player now, than me.

Yeah, right now, there doesn't seem to be better options than Fox, but 6 months from now, we don't know. Heck, for all we know, Fox might not even be available.

There are players in the league that I wouldn't have to think twice about giving up young talent and multiple picks for, Fox isn't one of those guys. I need to really think about it before gicing all that for Fox.

For example (and I know what I'm about to say isn't precisely popular right now), most folks seem to be OK with giving up Vassell and multiple first rounders for Fox. I know it doesn't seem like it right now (with Vassell just being inserted back into the SL and clearly out of confidence) but there isn't a far stretched scenario out there where Vassell in the near future becomes a 20ish ppg player, with good to elite 3pt shooting and average to good defense as a 6'6" guard. I would argue that type of player would be more useful for us in the long run than a De'aron Fox. So straight up would be a bad trade, then add the multiple first round picks.

There's another scenario where Castle becomes an all-star on ball PG, Fox would be a bad fit next to that version of Castle.

There are many things to consider other than "there's no-one better available, let's give up the farm for him", tbh.

[skin27]

1872666407705706649

Wemby 6th in NBA's MVP ladder.

supposed to be top 5 if only they win the last 2 games vs sixers and knicks

[LeBowen]

Rashard on this team (and any team for that matter) as your top 3 guy would make this team a second round exit. Let’s pretend we had that type of player who made shots on a consistent basis. He’d get no more shot attempts than Barnes or Champagnie is having right now, with the way Wemby wants to play. It wouldn’t be a “Splash Bro” type acquisition. Wemby is not the playmaker that Curry is, and all that it would look like is a team that has all its shooters stand on the three point line, predictable drive and kicks, and nothing else. When it’s crunch time, Wemby needs his second best player to be able to make something happen when he can’t. Do you think when the playoffs are here, Rashard Lewis (or Markkanen) would be able to create something out of nothing? I don’t. And yet you wish the team would have a third of its cap invested in something like that. Naahhh, the Spurs and Wemby need more than just those types of players.

for the record, I was pro-Markkanen to come here and still am. I’m arguing the point that the team’s biggest need is a shooter / or that the Spurs should prioritize a shooter over everything else. That’s not the team’s biggest problem.

I think ideally we could get away with a upper-mid-tier point guard until Castle is ready.
Let's say someone like Derrick would be ideal. Or even Suns CP3, version that could still reliably get into the paint and constantly abuse bigs with his FT-line jumper.
That type of playmaker combined with someone like Markkanen and Wemby would be ideal for this stage of development.

You're saying second round exit as if it's a negative thing. That's top4 teams in a stacked conference, we're a long way from a second round exit right now.

I just feel like a lot of people in here have their version of future roster which is fair, but then straight up refuse to adapt to the situation around the league. (not you, but in general)
As in we'd all like to have a certain type of players, but if they don't exist, we have to adapt.



Yeah, I already saw that post/topic, our difference is that you seem way more desperate to add a player now, than me.

Yeah, right now, there doesn't seem to be better options than Fox, but 6 months from now, we don't know. Heck, for all we know, Fox might not even be available.

I made those lists with the near future (2025 and 2026) in mind. Situation won't change much. If you don't believe me, there was a topic this summer about which SF/PF Spurs should pursue and I made a big list, nothing changed.
Some unexpected moves happen, but if we're talking player who'd fit us, it's not likely.
Noone would be happier than me if Devin actually turns it around and becomes our Middleton and we get our future SF in this draft, but that's not a realistic expectation.



For example (and I know what I'm about to say isn't precisely popular right now), most folks seem to be OK with giving up Vassell and multiple first rounders for Fox. I know it doesn't seem like it right now (with Vassell just being inserted back into the SL and clearly out of confidence) but there isn't a far stretched scenario out there where Vassell in the near future becomes a 20ish ppg player, with good to elite 3pt shooting and average to good defense as a 6'6" guard. I would argue that type of player would be more useful for us in the long run than a De'aron Fox. So straight up would be a bad trade, then add the multiple first round picks.

That type of player would obviously be more useful, but it's Devin's 5th year and at some point we have to be realistic. I was against trading him for Markkanen, but as thing stand now, he's losing value fast.


There's another scenario where Castle becomes an all-star on ball PG, Fox would be a bad fit next to that version of Castle.

The entire Fox trade idea premise came from those two point guard discussions. Many good teams run it and it wouldn't be an issue if you have guards who are also good off the ball. It's an issue only when the point guard who's not on the ball just ball watches.


There are many things to consider other than "there's no-one better available, let's give up the farm for him", tbh.

Obviously and I disagree with the farm argument because Spurs have 12 FRPs, 5 swaps and 18 SRPs up until 20131.
With 3 positive value young players. 4 if you want to include Champagnie. Contenders would kill for a shooter with size and solid defense on just $3M a year until 2027.
Wemby is on a bargain deal for 2.5 more seasons and is already 6th in MVP race. We should be taking advantage of that contract and be legit contenders in 26-27 season at least.

[scott]

In the end, back to my original question for you, check the Fox topic and I think you'll realize there aren't any better targets for us if we're talking all-stars who would be a solid fit with Wemby and wouldn't require a ridiculous haul to get them.
Other than Fox, we can just hope we strike gold in the draft or find another reclamation project who turns out to be way better than advertised.





The only flaw in the lists you provided, IMO, is that it leaves out some "up and coming" options (since your lists were just the top scorers at each position). A guy like Trey Murphy III (ignoring whether or not he could actually be had, or the cost, etc. for now) doesn't show up on your list but I'd say he's be a viable option to try to land as our #2. I don't think our trade acquisition targets should solely be limited to guys who are proven #2 right now, but also include some prospects to become one. This will be riskier, but perhaps more attainable.

With that said, I'm in on Fox and generally agree with your overall point, that there aren't a lot of options out there (though you never know which ones might come available in the future... although I'd also say you shouldn't rely on ANY coming available in the future).

[LeBowen]

The only flaw in the lists you provided, IMO, is that it leaves out some "up and coming" options (since your lists were just the top scorers at each position). A guy like Trey Murphy III (ignoring whether or not he could actually be had, or the cost, etc. for now) doesn't show up on your list but I'd say he's be a viable option to try to land as our #2. I don't think our trade acquisition targets should solely be limited to guys who are proven #2 right now, but also include some prospects to become one. This will be riskier, but perhaps more attainable.

I said that my list is missing some players on rookie deals, but as soon as one of those starts performing well, they're in for a max rookie extension and the asking price is 5 FRPs.
The only way to get a player like that as a second option is to get them before they playing like potential all-stars.


With that said, I'm in on Fox and generally agree with your overall point, that there aren't a lot of options out there (though you never know which ones might come available in the future... although I'd also say you shouldn't rely on ANY coming available in the future).

Again, it's about the asking price, timeline and contracts.
Other than absolutely untouchable players, there aren't many I'd want on our roster.
Let's just hope Devin gets back on track and Castle gets back to 25mpg+.

The only pressing need that absolutely must be sorted out before the deadline is replacing Collins with a legit backup big.
Valanciunas is right there, Wizards won't mind taking a negative contract, just dump a handful of seconds on them.
Or even a straight up swap with Tre like you suggested.

[scott]

1872666407705706649

Wemby 6th in NBA's MVP ladder.

This is what frustrates me about the "be patient" philosophy: Wemby is a Top 10 NBA player RIGHT NOW who is on an MLE-equivalent deal for the next 2.5 years. I don't see why we need to wait until Wemby is even better (which he will become regardless) to make the team around him better. As I've pointed out, and a lot of people around here misconstrue, the Spurs currently have 60% of the cap tied up in 4 players who are underperforming their contracts (Vassell, Johnson, Barnes, Collins). Despite that, we are 15-15 and competitive against top teams. Imagine if that 60% were put to better use.

A lot of people misinterpret this to mean I'm saying we MUST BLOW OUR WARCHEST GO OUT AND GET A SECOND STAR. Quite the opposite. There are a lot of approaches we can take to progressively improve the team. Two moves I've been beating the drum for have been to upgrade Collins to Jonas and Keldon to Aaron Nesmith. Neither of these moves should cost much, but would significantly improve the team, and there are plenty others like it we can imagine. While Barnes has been underperforming, he's exactly the kind of move that I think falls into this bucket. Even though of late he's not necessarily been playing like a $20MM/yr player - overall I think he's been a huge improvement for the team. He's certainly playing a lot more like a $20MM/yr player than Collins is, for example. We can, and should, improve the team around a Top-10 player - there is no reason not too. As LeBowen has accurately pointed out at times, there is simply no way to tank with a healthy Wemby on this team. There is also no tangible benefit to being an 11th seed in the West. Might as well improve the team and push for a playoff spot to get the benefit of that experience early in Wemby's (and Castle and Sochan) career.

[spursgu]

softest player since shawn bradley

im sorry your dick is so small that you have to keep posting for attention but isn’t your star player too fat to stay healthy?

[itzsoweezee]

This is what frustrates me about the "be patient" philosophy: Wemby is a Top 10 NBA player RIGHT NOW who is on an MLE-equivalent deal for the next 2.5 years. I don't see why we need to wait until Wemby is even better (which he will become regardless) to make the team around him better. As I've pointed out, and a lot of people around here misconstrue, the Spurs currently have 60% of the cap tied up in 4 players who are underperforming their contracts (Vassell, Johnson, Barnes, Collins). Despite that, we are 15-15 and competitive against top teams. Imagine if that 60% were put to better use.

A lot of people misinterpret this to mean I'm saying we MUST BLOW OUR WARCHEST GO OUT AND GET A SECOND STAR. Quite the opposite. There are a lot of approaches we can take to progressively improve the team. Two moves I've been beating the drum for have been to upgrade Collins to Jonas and Keldon to Aaron Nesmith. Neither of these moves should cost much, but would significantly improve the team, and there are plenty others like it we can imagine. While Barnes has been underperforming, he's exactly the kind of move that I think falls into this bucket. Even though of late he's not necessarily been playing like a $20MM/yr player - overall I think he's been a huge improvement for the team. He's certainly playing a lot more like a $20MM/yr player than Collins is, for example. We can, and should, improve the team around a Top-10 player - there is no reason not too. As LeBowen has accurately pointed out at times, there is simply no way to tank with a healthy Wemby on this team. There is also no tangible benefit to being an 11th seed in the West. Might as well improve the team and push for a playoff spot to get the benefit of that experience early in Wemby's (and Castle and Sochan) career.

Spurs are in a place equivalent to when curry was in his prime and severely underpaid because of his past injuries. There is absolutely no benefit to waiting. However, I don’t think there is any benefit to being conservative either.

Spurs’ front office focus needs to shift from what it had been in the Duncan era. This team does not need to build through the draft. Free agency and trading are how San Antonio maximizes wemby’s potential. Victor should not be playing with rookies and guys that are going to take years to develop.

[thiste]

Elon Musk mentioned Wemby!

1872374103983759835

[thiste]

With 359, Victor has now tied Blake Griffin & Jayson Tatum for total career blocks.

[scott]

1872870265409130940

Get a load of this fuckin' dork (relax, nerds, this is a joke... this is badass that our superstar is looking for chess matches while someone like Harden would be looking for the backdoor of Scores)

[spursparker9]

1872870265409130940

Get a load of this fuckin' dork (relax, nerds, this is a joke... this is badass that our superstar is looking for chess matches while someone like Harden would be looking for the backdoor of Scores)

:lol When Wemby did an interview before the season saying that he was shocked and disappointed by the antics and practice habits of some of the superstar players, I am sure Harden in on that list.

Can throw in Embid and Zion as well :lol

[R. DeMurre]

It'd be amazing to see Wemby hanging out in Washington Square Park in a hoodie, playing chess.

Also, how does Elon Musk not understand how apostrophes work? Whoa.

[Thomas82]

Tonight Wemby became the first player in NBA history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 200 blocks, and 200 3-pointers made within the first 100 games of his career. This was game #97 for Wemby.

[BatManu20]

Wemby knows half the bums on our current roster are gone in the next year or two. He's gonna have that Lebrun influence before long tbh.

1872860743126733174

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

LeWemby

[spursparker9]

Wemby knows half the bums on our current roster are gone in the next year or two. He's gonna have that Lebrun influence before long tbh.

1872860743126733174

LeWemby incoming :lol

But it is every superstar player's rights to stop a trade if he don't feel comfortable with the front office decision.

Even MJ stopped Jerry Klause from trading Pippen for young T-Mac in 97

[Pauleta14]

Let's not act as if every fans and medias didn't agree with him. This roster is shameful (so much that it's limited to 9 players now) and PATFO are being way too passive/conservative.

It's not a Lediva move, it's a "I'm tired of this shit" move.

[LeBowen]

Wemby saw what Jokic is going through in Denver and decided to go ahead of the curve.

[Pauleta14]

Wemby saw what Jokic is going through in Denver and decided to go ahead of the curve.

He probably realized that he could legit be in MVP discussion in his 2nd season with a slightly better roster in today's NBA with no real group that dominate the league.

Spurs are +50% with one of the 2 worst roster in the West (without him).

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkiKjVWRsA8

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoVAfN_SNSc

[rankingtear]

Wemby knows half the bums on our current roster are gone in the next year or two. He's gonna have that Lebrun influence before long tbh.

1872860743126733174

That is nothing. If he guest in a podcast and does the "i just wan't to win" schtick that is when you know he is serious.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/wemby/status/1873015103672770582

[CGD]

1872870265409130940

Get a load of this fuckin' dork (relax, nerds, this is a joke... this is badass that our superstar is looking for chess matches while someone like Harden would be looking for the backdoor of Scores)

Wait until The Onion gets wind of this…

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/25-hilarious-times-Tim-Duncan-became-a-headline-8352087.php

[baseline bum]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtcJiPIzzos

[KingKev]

softest player since shawn bradley

Shawn Bradley was an iron man compared to today’s NBA and battled the toughest NBA bodies of all time on a nightly basis. He played like 70 games a season for most of his career. Look it up.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/YahooSports/status/1873042913040715870

[ace3g]

https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1873040365718257958

[spursistan]

https://x.com/YahooSports/status/1873042913040715870


PATFO better get their shit together real fast because 'Wemby to the Knicks' rumors/leaks will flood the interwebs if we fumble the bag :lol

[BatManu20]

Wemby’s different.

1873036962602607017

[spursistan]

Adam Silver really got his Mahomes..Face of the league and a man of the people

https://x.com/wemby/status/1873045225570234867

[chubbs]

Shawn Bradley was an iron man compared to today’s NBA and battled the toughest NBA bodies of all time on a nightly basis. He played like 70 games a season for most of his career. Look it up.

so you agree wemby is softer than shawn bradley

got it :tu

[exstatic]

so you agree wemby is softer than shawn bradley

got it :tu

Soft = Fatboy Slim Doncic

[KingKev]

so you agree wemby is softer than shawn bradley

got it :tu

I like the comparison and don’t see either as soft.

[MannyIsGod]

Adam Silver really got his Mahomes..Face of the league and a man of the people

https://x.com/wemby/status/1873045225570234867

Amazing.

[skin27]

PATFO better get their shit together real fast because 'Wemby to the Knicks' rumors/leaks will flood the interwebs if we fumble the bag :lol


actually its better for his career to paly for a big market team like knicks or lakers.. also New York is closer to france too.

[scott]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtcJiPIzzos


Adam Silver really got his Mahomes..Face of the league and a man of the people

https://x.com/wemby/status/1873045225570234867

This is such an amazing young man, and that's aside from the basketball stuff.

[lefty]

« Doesn’t fit in Spurs culture »

[quentin_compson]

How fucking hilarious would it be (well, except for us Spurs Fans) if Wemby one day wants to get traded to NYC because the opportunities for playing chess are just so much better in the Big Apple ... :tongue

[R. DeMurre]

It'd be amazing to see Wemby hanging out in Washington Square Park in a hoodie, playing chess.



Wow, Wemby made my thoughts come true, even down to the hoodie.

[DAF86]

The whole chess thing is probably a PR move, still cool though. Silver probably loved every minute of it.

[Seventyniner]

The whole chess thing is probably a PR move, still cool though. Silver probably loved every minute of it.

I do wonder if there's a temporary increase in chess interest due to the World Rapid and Blitz tournament going on in NY this week.

[CGD]

I do wonder if there's a temporary increase in chess interest due to the World Rapid and Blitz tournament going on in NY this week.

Maybe but it’s also just NYC. People play all the time.

[thiste]

« Beast. Beast. » Harden with very nice words about Wemby.

1872901246094598438

[CGD]

« Beast. Beast. » Harden with very nice words about Wemby.

1872901246094598438

It’s impressive that all the older stars are on message over the last 48 hours (as if the league and players assocy sent out talking points). They must be seriously concerned about the post-LBJ (and peers) transition, and that the best players coming in are non-homegrown talents.

[Spurs Homer]

Isnt there a world class chess neighborhood in san anto...

over there by zarzamora...and ....

[lefty]

How fucking hilarious would it be (well, except for us Spurs Fans) if Wemby one day wants to get traded to NYC because the opportunities for playing chess are just so much better in the Big Apple ... :tongue
Do fat San Antonians play chess?

I hope they do, otherwise Wemby will be on the 1st plane to LGA very soon

[Bruno]

"Spurs Give", Spurs' nonprofit org, will give about $500K to Wembanyama's city to build/renovate a couple of basketball courts.

Link (in French) (https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/le-chesnay-rocquencourt_78158/les-spurs-le-club-de-victor-wembanyama-vont-financer-des-terrains-de-basket-au-chesnay-rocquencourt_62053939.html)

[spursparker9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUOetiLlojs

[baseline bum]

Love this pic of Vic and a young Spurs fan at the game last night

https://i.ibb.co/VNTwFJh/jersey-swap.jpg

[lefty]

Wemby and Jordan’s competition tbh

[TheBallsbreakers]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUOetiLlojs
That's so cool.

[spursistan]

The whole chess thing is probably a PR move, still cool though. Silver probably loved every minute of it.
Yea, but Wemby has a genuine nerdy side to him :lol. He got more sauce to his personality than the other international superstars, tbh.


Adam Silver is probably relieved he finally got the transcendent superstar around whom the next era of the nba is going to revolve especially after the colossal fiasco that Zion (too unserious & injury-prone) and Ja Morant (too much about that ghetto thug-life & injury-prone) were. NBA, more than the NFL, desperately need their own Brady-to-Mahomes transition. Lebron is probably retiring next year and KD & Curry can barely make the playoffs these days. Spurs -- unlike the Duncan era- got to play along with the league (in promotion, availability etc.); it’s almost like that’s the (unspoken) prize for Wemby going to us instead of Charlotte or Detroit. They knew they can't afford to see another next-big-thing waste away in poverty franchises..

[Pauleta14]

Yea, but Wemby has a genuine nerdy side to him :lol. He got more sauce to his personality than the other international superstars, tbh.


Adam Silver is probably relieved he finally got the transcendent superstar around whom the next era of the nba is going to revolve especially after the colossal fiasco that Zion (too unserious & injury-prone) and Ja Morant (too much about that ghetto thug-life & injury-prone) were. NBA, more than the NFL, desperately need their own Brady-to-Mahomes transition. Lebron is probably retiring next year and KD & Curry can barely make the playoffs these days. Spurs -- unlike the Duncan era- got to play along with the league (in promotion, availability etc.); it’s almost like that’s the (unspoken) prize for Wemby going to us instead of Charlotte or Detroit. They knew they can't afford to see another next-big-thing waste away in poverty franchises..

Yes and no

Ideally, Adam Silver would have preferred Wemby to end up in a big market (probably wishes it happens one day)

But more than anything, he'll be relieved the day he has an American player that can fill the role. The NBA can't revolve only on foreign superstars, the US is culturally patriotic and need a national figure.

Ja fucked up and Ant is too immature/wild

[ginobilized]

Wemby started kinda slow again this season. If he mirrors last year's pattern, he'll be averaging well over 30 pts/gm for the last 20 games or so.
As he's getting more familiar with teams, players and schemes, he is growing exponentially. 19 pts and 6 blocks feels like no big deal from him. Almost a let down.
The Spurs are so lucky to have him.

I think he's correct in that the team will rotate players, but, it really lets the FO know that he wants them to do their job AND he might not be 100% supportive of the roster they have created. If we can upgrade our talent at 2-3 positions a season and develop a couple strong contributors, we should be right in the hunt for top of the league in 3 years.

[cutewizard]

To our superstar and goat-to-be , Mr. Wemby >>>>>>



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGfhctaR7C8

[spurraider21]

no surprise wemby plays the french


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwgN97a4Les

[BatManu20]

1874128526640816139

[LeBowen]

Player of the month if he has another 30+ game today.

[Thomas82]

Player of the month if he has another 30+ game today.

Well, he had 21 in the 1st half. Hopefully he keeps it up.

[skin27]

Well, he had 21 in the 1st half. Hopefully he keeps it up.
Too bad he ended with only 27pts and 9 rebounds

[timtonymanu]

Should get Player of the Month locked up.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asnzLnkR_e0

[Thomas82]

Too bad he ended with only 27pts and 9 rebounds

That's the downside of having blowouts.

[Pauleta14]

Which other players is he competing with for POTM?

[Thomas82]

Which other players is he competing with for POTM?

SGA won it for November, so I imagine he's in the running for it again, and probably Jokic.

[Davidicus]

https://youtu.be/vCdX9tq9TmI?si=0Pki_Ryi8FakZWdT

Interesting answer from Stephon at 3:07 on how Vic has worked best this month - he said teams aren’t putting their 5s on him as much and he’s taking advantage, with lower starting positions, going for easier buckets, and making jump shots over the top.

Love seeing Victor in the paint more.

[Pauleta14]

SGA won it for November, so I imagine he's in the running for it again, and probably Jokic.

Thx

Spurs's record won't help vs those 2 tbh

Those 3 winnable games we just lost could've made such a MASSIVE difference as much for the team's ranking than for Wemby's aura and MVP ranking as well

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/vCdX9tq9TmI?si=0Pki_Ryi8FakZWdT

Interesting answer from Stephon at 3:07 on how Vic has worked best this month - he said teams aren’t putting their 5s on him as much and he’s taking advantage, with lower starting positions, going for easier buckets, and making jump shots over the top.

Love seeing Victor in the paint more.

Great find and it paints the picture why the Spurs won’t go for a traditional 5 next to Vic

if the opposing 5 isn’t guarding Vic on defense full time and is guarding the 4 instead, it makes sense for our 4 to be quick and versatile to take advantage of the 5’s lack of foot speed. Otherwise, having a traditional 5 to go toe to toe with their 5 will only get in Vic’s way if Vic tries to go in for a drive, or the traditional 5 will be cluttering the paint with Vic since they are both interior defenders. Vic is one of the best defenders in the paint and it needs to stay that way. The 4 guy next to him needs to be able to be able to switch, switch, switch (to 5’s and to wings and guards).

[skin27]

Should get Player of the Month locked up.


its hard to choose him over jokic. Tbh. Jokic has better stats and wy more conistent

[LeBowen]

its hard to choose him over jokic. Tbh. Jokic has better stats and wy more conistent

28/10/5 with 0.7 steals, 4.4 blocks and 3.3 turnovers on 49/38/89 for Wemby, 7-5 W-L.
32/12/8 with 2 steals, 0.3 blocks and 3 turnovers on 57/46/75 for Jokic, 8-6 W-L.

Ridiculous that Nuggets are so bad with Jokic putting up Wilt-like numbers.
Can't wait for Friday and Saturday, if Wemby actually manages to slow him down, we could even win a game.

[exstatic]

its hard to choose him over jokic. Tbh. Jokic has better stats and wy more conistent

Could be good for us if they do pick Jokic, with the two game series with the Nuggs coming up. Wemby tends to take shit like this seriously.

[R. DeMurre]

Too bad he ended with only 27pts and 9 rebounds

Only played 26 minutes due to blowout.

[skin27]

Only played 26 minutes due to blowout.

yeah but he has chance to get 1-2 more rebounds but refused to grab it.

[skin27]

28/10/5 with 0.7 steals, 4.4 blocks and 3.3 turnovers on 49/38/89 for Wemby, 7-5 W-L.
32/12/8 with 2 steals, 0.3 blocks and 3 turnovers on 57/46/75 for Jokic, 8-6 W-L.

Ridiculous that Nuggets are so bad with Jokic putting up Wilt-like numbers.
Can't wait for Friday and Saturday, if Wemby actually manages to slow him down, we could even win a game.

SGA also has a shot for player of the month.

[DAF86]

a80APgr5oh0?si=sPOlwinrf4JPV1AV

[Thomas82]

Thx

Spurs's record won't help vs those 2 tbh

Those 3 winnable games we just lost could've made such a MASSIVE difference as much for the team's ranking than for Wemby's aura and MVP ranking as well

Yeah, I can't help but think a winning streak of 5+ would do wonders for us, but that's still too much to ask right now.

[Pauleta14]

Yeah, I can't help but think a winning streak of 5+ would do wonders for us, but that's still too much to ask right now.

Jokic deserves it tbh, he's putting stupid, never seen numbers and has more wins.

Had we not lost 3 "marquee" winnable games, Wemby would have had a shot.

Let's keep Vic hungry, I like it

[LeBowen]

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic lead their respective conferences in the first NBA All-Star 2025 voting returns.

Eastern Conference:
FRONTCOURT


Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) - 1,710,630
Jayson Tatum (BOS) - 1,385,851
Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) - 1,099,966
Paolo Banchero (ORL) - 484,096
Jaylen Brown (BOS) - 433,636
Jimmy Butler (MIA) - 257,901
Franz Wagner (ORL) - 221,787
Joel Embiid (PHI) - 170,420
Paul George (PHI) - 167,613
Evan Mobley (CLE) - 145,623

GUARDS


LaMelo Ball (CHA) - 947,444
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) - 718,084
Damian Lillard (MIL) - 704,914
Jalen Brunson (NYK) - 477,253
Trae Young (ATL) - 353,452
Cade Cunningham (DET) - 247,046
Tyrese Maxey (PHI) - 246,648
Jordan Poole (WAS) - 164,383
Tyler Herro (MIA) - 125,251
Derrick White (BOS) - 120,706

Western Conference:
FRONTCOURT


Nikola Jokic (DEN) - 1,422,121
Kevin Durant (PHX) - 1,268,799
LeBron James (LAL) - 1,167,661
Anthony Davis (LAL) - 999,540
Victor Wembanyama (SAS) - 928,501
Alperen Sengun (HOU) - 314,223
Jalen Williams (OKC) - 188,722
Andrew Wiggins (GSW) - 187,530
Domantas Sabonis (SAC) - 148,810
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) - 103,142

GUARDS


Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) - 1,053,683
Luka Doncic (DAL) - 870,071
Stephen Curry (GSW) - 810,357
Kyrie Irving (DAL) - 503,567
Anthony Edwards (MIN) - 411,749
James Harden (LAC) - 314,452
Ja Morant (MEM) - 213,780
De'Aaron Fox (SAC) - 132,937
Devin Booker (PHX) - 120,602
Norman Powell (LAC) - 110,222





Damn, Wemby is already on par with most popular players in the league.
Get him some help!

[spurraider21]

:lol lamelo has more votes than wemby

[scott]

JJJ wins WC DPOM for December, because voters are bored of just giving it to the best defender already.

What a joke, tbh

[DAF86]

JJJ wins WC DPOM for December, because voters are bored of just giving it to the best defender already.

What a joke, tbh

Didn't Wemby averaged an absurd amount of blocks this month? :lol

I'm not saying blocks is a measurement of good defense, but we all know Wemby is the best defender by far, him having a career month in terms of blocks and not winning DPOM seems strange.

[scott]

Didn't Wemby averaged an absurd amount of blocks this month? :lol

I'm not saying blocks is a measurement of good defense, but we all know Wemby is the best defender by far, him having a career month in terms of blocks and not winning DPOM seems strange.

Yeah, and if you asked everyone to vote for DPOY right now, I doubt JJJ is taking any first place votes away from Wemby. Seems strictly like a "we really can't just give this award to Wemby for the rest of time, can we?" type move.

[MannyIsGod]

JJJ December

DRTG - 105
Blocks - 22
Steals - 23
Rebounds - 92
Games - 14

Wemby

DRTG - 102
Blocks - 53!!!!!
Steals - 8
Rebounds - 120
Games - 12

So JJJ has way more steals but is behind in every other category despite having played 2 more games?

LOL

[CGD]

a80APgr5oh0?si=sPOlwinrf4JPV1AV

Awesome breakdown. This analyst is quite good

[Thomas82]

Jokic deserves it tbh, he's putting stupid, never seen numbers and has more wins.

Had we not lost 3 "marquee" winnable games, Wemby would have had a shot.

Let's keep Vic hungry, I like it

Well, Wemby already lost the DPOM for December to Jaren Jackson, so if he loses POM to Jokic too, I believe it would really light a fire under him similar to what we saw around this time last year.

[lefty20]

Voter fatigue after 1 month is fucking insane. They've got literal dumb fucks deciding this shite.

[Thomas82]

Voter fatigue after 1 month is fucking insane. They've got literal dumb fucks deciding this shite.

No argument from me on that one.

[Pauleta14]

Well, Wemby already lost the DPOM for December to Jaren Jackson, so if he loses POM to Jokic too, I believe it would really light a fire under him similar to what we saw around this time last year.

The pb is that he can do wonder, if the Spurs don't win (enough) he'll be fucked.

I heard a journalist say with a straight face that Wemby didn't deserve DPOY bc Spurs were only 19th in defensive efficiency (at the time, we're probably a bit better but still not top 10)

[onechance87]

wemby not winning for dec is crazy....almost 5 blocks a game in dec.

[MannyIsGod]

It's not voter fatigue (no one votes for these awards - the NBA just picks out who to give them to) but rather the NBA just trying to spread the wealth. It's wahtever, the awards are new marking gimmicks so its clear they will use them in that way. If the vote was held today Wemby easily wins DPOY. He's going to win it. Y'all don't have to be so damn scared though lol.

[100%duncan]

Damn, Wemby is already on par with most popular players in the league.
Get him some help!

Joke fucking spurs and french “fans”. I have been voting with 2 accounts, do I need to up this cause of the morons who dont vote

[100%duncan]

JJJ wins WC DPOM for December, because voters are bored of just giving it to the best defender already.

What a joke, tbh

Wemby is unanimous DPOY this is just a meme take from the media smh

[DAF86]

It's not voter fatigue (no one votes for these awards - the NBA just picks out who to give them to) but rather the NBA just trying to spread the wealth. It's wahtever, the awards are new marking gimmicks so its clear they will use them in that way. If the vote was held today Wemby easily wins DPOY. He's going to win it. Y'all don't have to be so damn scared though lol.

Nobody is scared, tbh. We are just calling out the obvious bullshit.

[MannyIsGod]

Nobody is scared, tbh. We are just calling out the obvious bullshit.

There's literally a post a couple above mine worried that Wemby is going to lose DPOY if the Spurs won't win enough. Spurs fans are always scared the NBA is going to fuck them over when the NBA doesn't even decides who wins it. Its just like in the game threads when people start with the NBA conspiracies when the refs miss calls.

[Thomas82]

The pb is that he can do wonder, if the Spurs don't win (enough) he'll be fucked.

I heard a journalist say with a straight face that Wemby didn't deserve DPOY bc Spurs were only 19th in defensive efficiency (at the time, we're probably a bit better but still not top 10)

Well, that journalist has lost his mind. Wemby is easily the best defender in the whole league.

[Pauleta14]

Well, that journalist has lost his mind. Wemby is easily the best defender in the whole league.

He was last season too

Almost unanimously from an anonymous players poll. Gobert got it on the record and dogma (and was only 4th or 5th on the players' ranking btw)

I still think he'll get it but just for the laugh Wemby has almost as many stocks last month than the 2 DPOM winner (JJJ and Mobley) COMBINE

[Thomas82]

He was last season too

Almost unanimously from an anonymous players poll. Gobert got it on the record and dogma (and was only 4th or 5th on the players' ranking btw)

I still think he'll get it but just for the laugh Wemby has almost as many stocks last month than the 2 DPOM winner (JJJ and Mobley) COMBINE

Yeah, the voters just didn't want to give it to a rookie.

As competitive as Wemby is, he keeps receipts. I can't wait to see what kind of fire this lights under him.

[DAF86]

There's literally a post a couple above mine worried that Wemby is going to lose DPOY if the Spurs won't win enough. Spurs fans are always scared the NBA is going to fuck them over when the NBA doesn't even decides who wins it. Its just like in the game threads when people start with the NBA conspiracies when the refs miss calls.

Ok, one guy is "scared". :lol

[TheBallsbreakers]

Nobody is scared, tbh. We are just calling out the obvious bullshit.
Yeah, total disgrace is what it is.
Like, WTF, it's like an April Fool's joke.
I wonder how Jaren Jr. feels when he's handed out that shit.

[scott]

Tim Duncan never won DPOY and DRob only won it once... what I'm trying to say is that sometimes this shit is just fucking stupid

[Pauleta14]

Tim Duncan never won DPOY and DRob only won it once... what I'm trying to say is that sometimes this shit is just fucking stupid

It used to be 100% prestige and resume related but it now has a direct financial impact tho.

JJJ or other defensive players who don't have a shot at All NBA teams will directly be impacted financially if Wemby gets DPOY all the time bc it's their only shot at the super max extension.

It's a stupid part of the CBA

[exstatic]

It used to be 100% prestige and resume related but it now has a direct financial impact tho.

JJJ or other defensive players who don't have a shot at All NBA teams will directly be impacted financially if Wemby gets DPOY all the time bc it's their only shot at the super max extension.

It's a stupid part of the CBA

I disagree. If there are no limiting factors, everyone would want a SuperMax. Spoiler alert: not everyone deserves the SuperMax. You have 1 MVP, 1 DPOY, and 15 All NBA slots. Technically, that’s 17 possible players who could become SuperMax eligible in any year, although really 16, since I can’t see the MVP not making one of the 15 All NBA slots. Some of those players will not be coming up for extensions or new contracts, so maybe 6-8 guys every year are going to get SuperMaxed. And it’s not like you get the SuperMax or nothing. It’s a 5% cap bump over whatever cap figure is the max for you longevity. It should be exclusive and only go to the best of the best. If you want it, earn it. If you don’t, you’re not going into the poorhouse. You’ll still accrue multi- generational wealth.

[LeBowen]

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-jan-3-2025-edition


5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Last week’s ranking: (https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-dec-27-2024-edition) No. 6
Season stats: (https://www.nba.com/stats/player/1641705/) 25.6 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.9 bpg
His case: Massive leap by the second-year center over the last few weeks, punctuated by his tremendous Christmas game in New York. In December he became the first player in NBA history to compile 300 points, 100 rebounds, 50 blocks, 50 assists and 40 three-pointers in a calendar month.
Wemby is also a strong candidate for Kia Defensive Player of the Year. He’s leading the league in blocks (https://www.nba.com/stats/leaders?StatCategory=BLK), more than a full block over Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.

[thiste]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEc4Z_1VKJY

[skin27]

https://www.nba.com/news/kia-mvp-ladder-jan-3-2025-edition

He only crack the top 5 because luka got injured. He step up and play like MVP the rest of the season to prove he desereve to be in the top 5

[ace3g]

https://x.com/HowardBeck/status/1875312433491014055

[TheBallsbreakers]

https://x.com/HowardBeck/status/1875312433491014055
Always knew that had something to do with more than just crossovers and stuff.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/AirlessJordan/status/1875372483404296607

[BatManu20]

1875404199305044171

[Spurminator]

Tim Duncan never won DPOY and DRob only won it once... what I'm trying to say is that sometimes this shit is just fucking stupid

Don't forget Bruce Bowen. :)

DPOY has always been a frustrating award, particularly when the voters just lazily give it to the guy they gave it to last year on legacy and reputation. Mutumbo got one or two BS ones, as did Ben Wallace, and now Gobert.

I'd be surprised if Wemby doesn't get it this year though. And maybe he'll even get a couple "legacy" DPOYs later when he's past his prime.

[baseline bum]

Tim Duncan never won DPOY and DRob only won it once... what I'm trying to say is that sometimes this shit is just fucking stupid

Wish I could find the photoshop I did of this photo of Cotton Camby getting his DPOY where I put Bruce in a defensive stance at the top of his trophy.

https://i.ibb.co/Jm0Z8W5/cotton.jpg

[BatManu20]

1875418530725949486

[spursparker9]

1875418530725949486

One of a kind himself praising another player "one of a kind"...