Victor Wembanyama is crucial for the San Antonio Spurs. Now, as well as for the future. Currently nursing an ankle injury he sustained before the game against the Dallas Mavericks game on December 23rd, Wembanyama has not had the best of time, of late.
After a couple of days of rest, the rookie was given the go-ahead to play against the Utah Jazz. However, he was on a minutes restriction as he continues to work towards regaining form. Head coach Gregg Popovich suggested the same, shedding doubt over his ability to play in the upcoming back-to-back games scheduled against the Portland Trailblazers. Popovich said the following about his star man:
The player himself, however, begged to differ. Wembanyama when asked about Coach Popovich’s stance, replied at the post-game press conference saying;
[The medical staff] forced me to sit out, pretty much. If it was up to me, I’d play every game.
Wemby essentially disagrees with his head coach and feels he is fit and ready to play the upcoming back-to-back games. However, the comments are bound to raise eyebrows as well, with respect to their relationship.
Wembanyama stepped on a ball boy’s foot after taking a few steps following a shot before the game against the Mavs. The Spurs’ fitness team, as a result, made him sit out of the game. After resting and moving decently in pre-game warm-ups, he was allowed to play for 24 minutes against the Utah Jazz in a losing effort.
Despite putting up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks, the Spurs lost the game 118-130. This was their 5th straight loss. The Jazz were led by Lauri Markannen who put up 31 points and 12 rebounds. Coach Popovich will not only be concerned with Wemby’s fitness, but also how the pieces align with respect to the prodigious French International
Big men and lower body injuries
Basketball players are generally tall. But the really tall ones who are above 6′ 10″ are subject to lower body injuries more often than others. Wembanyama, standing at 7 4″, is effectively a monster.
Whenever a big man suffers a lower-body injury, coaches are bound to react with concern due to the potential longterm implications involved. Victor Wembanyama is currently facing his second injury in his rookie season, with both being ankle-related problems.
Lower body injuries often limit the durability of big men, which means that they need to be all the more careful, while proper healing is also necessary. This is where Wembanyama and Coach Popovich seem to disagree. Coach Popovich has seen his fair share of great big men in his career. He knows what ‘looks 100 percent’.
Wembanyama needs to take utmost care if he has to have a long and successful NBA career. Perhaps that will require him to clear the air with the Spurs coach, for starters.
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