As the San Antonio Spurs gear up for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, excitement is building around the team, particularly with the debut of standout player Victor Wembanyama. Following an impressive preseason run, where the Spurs remained unbeaten, anticipation is high for their season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. While head coach Mitch Johnson has kept details about the starting lineup and player minutes under wraps, one certainty is Wembanyama’s presence on the court.
Entering his third year, Wembanyama is reiterating his ambitions for the season, aiming for the Spurs to secure a playoff spot without entering the play-in tournament. “Success would be getting to the playoffs and not the play-in,” Wembanyama declared, setting a clear target for the No. 6 seed as a benchmark for the team’s performance. Last season, he sustained a setback due to deep vein thrombosis, which cut his impressive season short, where he averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game.
His influence on both ends of the court has garnered praise from coaches, including Indiana’s Rick Carlisle, who noted the unique capability of Wembanyama to dominate games defensively and offensively. The Spurs have seen his growth not only in skill but also physically, as he has bulked up during the offseason.
As for his towering height, Wembanyama is listed at 7-foot-4, though some speculate he could be even taller. This speculation has become a quirk of his public persona, with Wembanyama himself remarking on the amusing nature of the ongoing debate about his height, stating, “I’m taller than everybody else. That’s all you need to know.” This playful attitude reflects his readiness to entertain questions and expectations while focusing on his performance on the court.
The Spurs will also take the court on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans before returning home for their opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. As Wembanyama sets his sights on leading the Spurs to greater heights, fans can look forward to an exciting start to the new season. With both team cohesion and standout talent, the Spurs are primed for meaningful moments ahead.