Before the San Antonio Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, head coach Gregg Popovich made it clear he would return for the 2023-’24 season. Based on Wembanyama’s first impression of his new coach, Popovich will likely be around much longer.
Popovich, one of the highest-paid NBA coaches, is expected to receive a contract extension later this year after nearly three decades with the franchise. He now has the opportunity to work with a new franchise star, following in the footsteps of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
- Victor Wembanyama stats (2022-’23):21.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3 BPG
Related: NBA power rankings
The legendary coach hasn’t always offered the warmest welcome to incoming players entering the NBA. When Manu Ginobili joined the Spurs, Popovich was critical of the flashy style that Ginobili played with and it took time for the two to learn how to coexist.
While Popovich has only been around Wembanyama for a week since San Antonio drafted him with the first overall pick, it appears their relationship is off to a better start.
- Gregg Popovich coaching record: 1,366-761 in regular season, 170-114 in playoffs
In an interview with KENS 5, Wembanyama shared his first impression of Popovich including the coach’s surprising commitment to working out and how he’s treated the rookie thus far.
“He works out more than I thought. Every morning he’s there running on the treadmill, lifting weights. He communicates a lot with me. He wants to take care of me and he wants to avoid me making some mistakes he’s really present. I thought I would’ve experienced ‘the yelling’ a bit earlier, but haven’t yet, but I’m ready”
Victor Wembanyama on San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich
While Popovich does have a bit of a reputation for yelling at players when he feels its necessary, and he is an old-school coach with a military background, Wembanyama has seemed to avoid all of that so far. Instead, he’s got to learn from one of the best figures in NBA history and even witnessed his commitment to staying in shape.
All of these are things the 19-year-old can learn from and the months ahead will provide him with plenty of lessons, helping his game improve significantly. If all goes well, he’ll become the franchise star that helps return San Antonio to perennial contention and Popovich will be coaching one of the best teams in the NBA once again.
