The San Antonio Spurs inherited a generational talent in No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama but head coach Gregg Popovich warned it takes more than skill to create an NBA superstar.
The 19-year-old Frenchman, described as an ‘alien‘ by LeBron James himself for his unbelievable set of skills, set the NBA abuzz when he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the most nailed-on first pick since the Laker star 20 years ago.
But Popovich insisted that it takes more than on-court ability to mastermind the difference between a talented player and a star.
And Wembayama, off the back of spearheading the Spurs’ comeback win against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night, may just have what it takes, according to his coach.
‘Many people have talent in this league but the people who end up at superstar status have something that the rest do not have, and that lies between their ears. It’s in the mind,’ the coach told the media Wednesday.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (L) insisted Victor Wembanyama (R) could be a superstar
Wembanyama was drafted by the Spurs in the most nailed-on first pick since LeBron James
‘Just a character, a belief in themselves, a unique discipline, a fundamental excellence, that they can compete and persevere day after day after day, year after year after year. They just have a drive that allows them to be excellent over and over again. And that’s very special, I call it unique character and that isn’t found in every player.’
The 74-year-old went on to suggest that Wembanyama possessed that ‘unique character’ needed to become a superstar as he hailed the rookie for recognizing he can’t rely on talent alone to be successful in the NBA.
‘His parents did a very good job,’ Popovich added. ‘He’s one of the most mature 19-year-olds I’ve ever been around. His character is incredible. His view of the world is mature. He understands who he is, he feels comfortable in his own skin.
‘He knows that all the hype that has been pretty thick everywhere is something to be ignored. He realizes he’s got work to do. Talent is talent but he’s going to channel that, figure out what exactly his game should be. Discipline will be a big part of that and understanding what wins and loses. It’s a process, it’s a journey.
‘Fortunately for us, he doesn’t have to be convinced of those things. He understands that’s how it works. So he’s a very special man in addition to his talents. He understands relationships, respects teammates, very coachable, fun to be around. So he’s got it all to become a superstar in time.’
However, despite boasting the No. 1 overall pick and superstar in the making on his roster, Popovich warned that it doesn’t necessarily guarantee success this season.
The veteran coach immediately shut down talk of his team making it to the NBA Finals, claiming it was too early, with the Spurs, while 3-1, only four games deep into their season.
‘The competition is always at a high level in our league,’ he insisted. ‘There are many good teams, players from all over the world. Talking about the Spurs and the Finals is premature.’
The 19-year-old Frenchman, described as an ‘alien’ by LeBron James has set the NBA abuzz
Popovich warned having the Frenchman alone isn’t enough for the Spurs to make the Finals
Questions were raised over the support system in place for young players who suddenly find themselves in the limelight after Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant caused controversy by twice flashing a firearm on Instagram live earlier this year.
Popovich, charged with a haul of young talent in Jeremy Sochan, 20, Malaki Branham, 20, and Devin Vassell, 23, in addition to Wembanyama, recognized the responsibility teams owe to their next generation stars.
‘In our program, and I think in many of the NBA programs, the emphasis is really an all around approach knowing full well that the world is far more complicated than ever before, it’s very transparent with social media,’ Popovich said.
‘So we have a responsibility to make sure that our players understand that and that their responsibilities to their communities that they live in are important and to be honored. We spend a lot of time making sure they become a part of the fabric of that community.’
After wrapping up the second of back-to-back games against the Suns Thursday, San Antonio take on the Toronto Raptors in NBA’s Sunday primetime game.
