NBA (DR) / Kens 5 (DR)

Drafted by the Spurs last June, Victor Wembanyama knew he was destined to collaborate there with the legendary Gregg Popovich. Eight months later, he allowed himself to candidly take stock of his work with his prestigious trainer.

The images of his reaction during the Lottery and the awarding of the first pick in San Antonio were worth a thousand words.

Then destined to join the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama had not managed to hide his joy and already openly imagined himself wearing the franchise jersey.

An obvious fact which ended up being confirmed a few weeks later, while Adam Silver handed him a Spurs cap during the Draft ceremony.

Since then, the young French interior has unsurprisingly established himself as the darling of Texan fans.

The latter even quickly hoped that his involvement in the team’s play would increase and that all or almost all the balls would go to him.

The kind of one-man show that Gregg Popovich is not necessarily a fan of, he who now has the mission to lead his talented big man to the top.

Wembanyama’s clear observation on Gregg Popovich

One of the most recognized and decorated coaches in the history of the league, Popovich was the perfect guide for Wembanyama’s debut in the NBA.

However, criticism was quickly directed towards him following Spurs’ complicated start to the season.

But while some observers may have criticized him for his management of Victor, the latter had only good things to say about him in recent hours:

"I've always thought Pop was the best coach in the world years before being drafted, so I had high expectations. He's lived up to those. He cares a lot. He hasn't only been a good technical analyst. He's also been caring about me and trying to know me." pic.twitter.com/2A9TC1ZOlt

— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) February 17, 2024

Victor Wembanyama: I always thought Pop was the best coach in the world, long before I was drafted, so I had high expectations for him.

And he rose to the occasion. He cares a lot about his players. Not only did he prove to be a good technical analyst, but he also cared a lot about me and really tried to get to know me.

No offense to the detractors of the legendary coach, he would thus have proved faithful to his illustrious reputation in the eyes of Wemby.

Because beyond his tactical expertise, his very human relationships with his players would have particularly appealed to the French international.

All that remains is to hope that the two men will find the recipe together to bring San Antonio back to the forefront league-wide.

Contrary to what some might believe, Victor Wembanyama shows no resentment towards Gregg Popovich. On the contrary, he showers his trainer with praise and always seems to be delighted to evolve under his orders.