After the first four matches of the season, the man who has coached the Spurs since 1996 took the time to talk about Victor Wembanyama’s first steps and adaptation to the United States.
A rough diamond can be polished. This is, more or less, the speech that Gregg Popovich gave during a videoconference with the European press, Wednesday November 1, about Victor Wembanyama. After four games this season (2 victories, 2 defeats and already promises), the legendary coach of the San Antonio Spurs asked for time to develop the French prodigy, and refused to don the costume of favorites for this season which has barely come to begin. While having a thought for the victims of the war between Hamas and Israel.
Coach, you have rubbed shoulders with many superstars since 1996 in San Antonio. Victor Wembanyama has everything to become one, but what makes the difference between a talented player and a superstar?
Gregg Popovich : A lot of people have talent in the NBA, but those who become superstars have something that others don’t: it happens between the ears, in their heads. You need a personality, believe in yourself and don’t like to disappoint. These players make excellence fundamental, to perform day after day, year after year. They are always striving for excellence. This is what makes you special, makes you a unique player. You don’t find that in everyone.
When Victor joined you, what kind of young man did you discover?
This is a boy who was already doing a very good job. Honestly, he’s one of the most mature 19 year old men I’ve seen in my life. Victor has an incredible personality, and a real outlook on the world. He understands who he is, and feels good about it. He is aware of the excitement around him, here in San Antonio, but also wherever he travels. He also knows he has work to do. Talent is talent but he knows he has to work to find his game. Which is not a problem, because he is very disciplined. He knows what he needs to improve. We’re all in this together now, and Victor understands how it works.
He is a very special young man in addition to his talent. He understands relationships, he respects teammates, he is easy to coach and get along with.
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovichby videoconference
Where do you think his game should evolve?
At the moment we are in an observation phase, in reality. We don’t yet know what Victor’s game will be. It’s wiser to watch him play, to see in which areas he feels good and where he is most effective: on the wing, in transitions… We have to watch him for a while to see which area suits him best. We give him the freedom to take the three points. It’s only on defense where we spend time at the moment so that he knows what we’re asking, to teach him what it’s like to defend in the NBA.
This year, the competition seems particularly intense. Some people talk about you as favorites, do you agree?
No. First of all, the competition has always been at the top level in our league with many great teams bringing together the greatest players from around the world. Then, talking about the Spurs in the NBA finals is premature. I understand that people are talking about it, but it’s still a little early to say that.
Finally, the NBA has said little about the conflict between Hamas and Israel, compared to the war in Ukraine or other subjects such as racism. Do you follow what’s happening in Gaza?
Obviously. It’s way more important than basketball, anyone with a brain and a heart knows that. Whether we are talking about a Palestinian or an Israeli victim, it is tragic, cruel. Talking about it is important, if we don’t do it, no one pays attention. The more we talk about it, the better. All our hearts die when we see the horrors that Hamas has committed. And we feel the same when we see the bombs falling, killing children and civilians in Palestine. I just hope that we find leadership, one way or another, that people sit down to resolve this problem that has been going on for decades. This must stop.