Despite losing season, Victor Wembanyama is proud to represent Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The rookie big man is seen as a franchise cornerstone with the potential to be among the best players in league history. 

For a small market team, landing a player of Wembanyama's caliber is ideal, but keeping star-level talent in a small market is difficult. 

During his news conference at NBA All-Star weekend, though, Wembanyama explained why he enjoys being a member of the Spurs.

"This is really the best place for me,” Wembanyama said. “I said that over and over. I couldn’t dream of being in a better place. Being a Spur, you have to have standards. The main thing is the Spurs get good players. But what matters most is to be a good person. This is why [former players] are still around the team, helping the team. These are values I like.”

San Antonio is known for conducting themselves with professionalism and class, and they have arguably the greatest coach in NBA history in Gregg Popovich. The Spurs previously produced Hall of Fame players via the draft; Wembanyama likely feels confident the front office can construct a championship-level roster around him.

However, unlike some young talents, Wembanyama appears to have his feet on the ground. He's focused on improving rather than making an immediate push for the playoffs. That will allow the rookie center to develop skills and acclimate to the NBA game.

Wembanyama has the potential to be a future franchise great for San Antonio. Based on his comments, it would appear he's ready to be a part of the franchise for the long haul. That will be music to Spurs fans' ears especially if he continues to develop into one of the best players in the NBA. 

Now, the task is to ensure he stays happy. Judging by the Spurs' history of building contending teams, that shouldn't be a problem.