The San Antonio Spurs End Wembanyama's Performance in Two Las Vegas Matches
Victor Wembanyama played in only two games for the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas. The Spurs decided to sit him out for the rest of the summer to prevent any possible injuries.
Wembanyama is the favorite to win the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year at -130 odds. He was the #1 pick in the draft and is highly anticipated to make an impact next season.
Unfortunately, two of the top four picks suffered injuries during their Summer League debuts. Scoot Henderson, the #2 pick by the Orlando Magic, sustained a shoulder injury, while Amen Thompson, the #4 pick by the Houston Rockets, sprained his ankle in the same game.
Both the Trail Blazers and Rockets have decided not to allow their top draft picks to play in any more summer league games.
Zion Williamson, the #1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, also experienced an injury while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans during the Summer League in Las Vegas. Williamson has faced numerous injury issues since then, leading to teams being cautious about their rookies playing in Las Vegas.
Victor Wembanyama's Vegas Experience
It's been quite a trip for 19-year-old Wembanyama in Las Vegas. An incident involving his security detail and pop star Britney Spears put him in the limelight and turned him into internet fodder.
The incident left Wembanyama feeling uneasy about the celebrity-obsessed and media-crazy American culture. He expressed his need to take a break from the media after the unfortunate brush with Spears.
Basketball made up only half of Wembanyama's schedule in the past month. "I'm glad it's over," he said. "I just want to play basketball and work out."
Wembanyama had a rough start in his summer league debut against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring nine points and missing eleven shots, including five three-pointers. However, he looked more like the #1 pick in his second game against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording 27 points and 12 rebounds.
"There's something great going on," said Wembanyama. "We knew it was going to happen. Now, let's get it going."
Wembanyama played a total of 54 minutes in two games for the Spurs, scoring 36 points, catching 20 rebounds, and blocking eight shots. He shot 41% from the floor and 30% from three-point range.
The Spurs decided to end Wembanyama's Summer League stint after two games to avoid any potential injuries. "Two games was the plan," said Mike Finger from the San Antonio Express-News. "The Spurs wanted him to get a taste of the NBA, and he got it."
Gregg Popovich Extension
Head coach Gregg Popovich signed a five-year contract extension worth $80 million to remain the head coach of the Spurs. This puts an end to speculation about Popovich retiring anytime soon.
In 2022, Popovich became the coach with the most wins in NBA history, passing Don Nelson. He has now coached 2,127 games, all with the Spurs, and holds a career record of 1366-761.
The fact that the Spurs won the Draft Lottery this year was a fortunate turn of events for Wembanyama. Prospects such as David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard all thrived under Popovich's guidance.
By extending Popovich's contract through the 2027-28 season, the Spurs ensured that their top draft pick would have a future Hall of Fame coach leading him during his NBA journey.
Popovich is a +2200 longshot to win the 2024 NBA Coach of the Year.
The Spurs finished with a dismal 22-60 record last season, making them the worst team in the Western Conference. They lost more games than only the Detroit Pistons (17-65) did.
The Spurs have an over/under win total of 30.5 for next season.
The Spurs are currently +20000 odds to win the 2023-24 NBA championship, which is a long shot. They last won a championship in 2014, their fifth title since 1999 under Popovich.
The Spurs are +10000 odds to win the Western Conference next season, marking a significant improvement from their current standing. They secured back-to-back conference titles in 2013 and 2014.
The Spurs are a +4000 longshot to win the Southwest Division, which they last achieved in 2017.
Read also:
- Remaining contenders down to two in DFB's struggle versus Brazil.
- Law enforcement agencies in various metropolises plan expansive measures for May 1.
- Berlin Transport Senator Schreiner Steps Down over Doctorate Issues
- The Next Development in the DAZN/DFL Billion Euro Controversy
Source: www.casino.org
