Kofi Inkoom
During the Spurs’ media day on Monday, Coach Gregg Popovich projected that fans should anticipate the team securing more victories in the upcoming 2023-2024 season compared to the previous one.
However, the esteemed coach refrained from categorizing the franchise as a championship contender, even with the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in the draft.
Popovich extolled the significance of player development, acknowledging the substantial progress made by the team in the preceding season.
He noted that despite the limited number of wins, there were notable improvements and moments of fierce competitiveness among the players, which he found commendable.
Popovich further asserted that adding a player of Victor’s caliber certainly bolsters the team’s prospects.
“Of course, we add a player with Victor’s capabilities, and your prospects look a lot better. But this year, with development, I think one of the important factors to enhance that development is winning. So winning is as important this year as learning last year. So, they’ve got to continue to learn. But, adding more wins, I think, is appropriate, mandatory and helpful.”
This perspective represents a more optimistic outlook compared to Popovich’s earlier stance before the previous season, where he advised against placing bets on the Spurs winning the championship.
The prospect of aspiring to win is sure to delight San Antonio Spurs fans, especially considering the franchise’s challenging history, including a dismal 22-60 record in the 2022-23 season.
While Popovich refrained from commenting on the team’s championship chances for this season, he emphasized to all his players the importance of striving to become the best team possible by the time the playoffs arrive.
Although it might be unrealistic to expect 19-year-old rookie Wembanyama to lead the Spurs to a championship or a deep playoff run, forward Devin Vassell expressed optimism about the season’s potential.
“Vic has seamlessly integrated here,” Vassell conveyed to reporters. “He actively engages, poses questions, and although he initially arrived as a nervous rookie, I believe he’s steadily gaining confidence, evident on both ends of the court.”
Meanwhile, Wemby (Wembanyama) remains dedicated to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an NBA player.
Wembanyama succinctly encapsulated his goals, stating, “All my expectations are really to learn and how to win as quick as possible. Everyone here, except for the rookies, boasts more experience than me, so I have a lot to absorb.”
The Spurs’ upcoming season opener against the Dallas Mavericks is scheduled for October 25th at Frost Bank Center, and tickets currently available for purchase.