Victor Wembanyama expressed his surprise and sadness over Gregg Popovich stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after an impressive 29-season tenure. Popovich transitioned to a front office role, leaving fans and players alike reflecting on his remarkable legacy. Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rising star, shared his thoughts on Popovich, highlighting the strong bonds formed within the team.
“First of all, the person,” Wembanyama remarked. “We were all really close. We all have really good relationships between the teammates and him. It’s always sad and shocking when something like this happens. What’s incredible with him is that he keeps giving hope being the person that he is. He keeps inspiring us. Because the way he works, he works harder than most athletes in the world.”
Wembanyama’s admiration for Popovich’s relentless work ethic resonates with many in the NBA community. Popovich is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, known for his ability to cultivate talent and build a winning culture. His departure marks a significant shift for the Spurs, who will now look to Mitch Johnson to fill the coaching void left by Popovich.
In addition to reflecting on Popovich, Wembanyama recently returned from a transformative trip to the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, China. Accompanied by a member of the Spurs’ strength training staff, Wembanyama embraced the unique experience, which included rigorous Kung Fu training designed to enhance his physical capabilities.
“The goal going there was to put my body through things that it’s not used to doing and allow my range of movement and strength to improve,” Wembanyama explained. “This was probably as different as possible from what I’m used to doing.”
One of the most notable changes from his trip was Wembanyama’s new hairstyle; he shaved his head at the monks’ request. “I’m pretty sure I’m Buddhist now,” he joked, adding that the experience was worth it. The regimen at the temple was intense, involving daily Kung Fu practice, and the meals were primarily plant-based, consisting of zucchini and rice noodles.
Wembanyama’s commitment to self-improvement and willingness to embrace new challenges is a testament to his dedication to the game. Despite facing setbacks, including a blood clot in his right shoulder that cut his 2024-25 season short, he is expected to be ready for the upcoming season. His determination to return to peak form reflects the competitive spirit that has made him a standout player in the league.
As the Spurs navigate this new chapter, there are ongoing discussions about player trades, particularly involving Phoenix. While Kevin Durant’s potential interest in teaming up with Wembanyama has been noted, the Spurs are reportedly only willing to part with certain veterans like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. The team recently acquired De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento, further solidifying their roster while maintaining their core talent.
As the NBA season approaches, fans are eager to see how Wembanyama will develop under Johnson’s leadership and how the Spurs will adapt to the changes brought about by Popovich’s departure. The future looks bright for Wembanyama, who continues to inspire with his work ethic and commitment to excellence, much like the legendary coach he once played for.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s reflections on Gregg Popovich illustrate the profound impact the coach had on his players and the organization as a whole. As the Spurs embark on a new journey, Wembanyama’s growth and resilience will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. NBA fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, filled with potential and promise as the Spurs continue to build on their storied legacy.