Yardbarker
x
Gregg Popovich Has Older French Wines Than Victor Wembanyama
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Gregg Popovich is renowned not only for his basketball acumen but also for his witty remarks and colorful analogies. After a thrilling 122-115 victory against the Brooklyn Nets, where French sensation Victor Wembanyama (33 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists on 14-26 FG) showcased his exceptional skills, Popovich couldn't resist drawing a comparison between the young phenom and his prized wine collection.

"He's a multi-talented young man, and he's going to show us things that none of us have ever seen before. That was one of them."

"He's getting more and more solid, more and more disciplined, more and more used to the contact that he gets, the attention that he gets. It's a tough position for him to be in. He handles it with class and has pretty good smarts."

"All of my best wines are older than Victor. That's a true statement." (2:53)

In his post-game press conference, Popovich lauded Wembanyama's performance, highlighting his multi-dimensional skills and promising potential. However, when asked about his excitement for coaching in the NBA for another five years, Popovich veered off on one of his trademark tangents.

But it was his follow-up statement that captured attention. With a mischievous grin, Popovich declared, "All of my best wines are older than Victor." This statement not only showcased Popovich's dry humor but also hinted at the depth of his wine collection, which likely includes aged Bordeaux varietals known for their complexity and refinement.

Popovich's analogy drew parallels between the maturation process of fine wines and the development of young basketball talents like Wembanyama. Just as a Bordeaux wine gains complexity and character with age, so too does a player like Wembanyama develop his skills and basketball IQ over time.

The comparison also spoke to Popovich's fondness for both the art of coaching and the appreciation of fine wine. His ability to seamlessly blend basketball insights with personal anecdotes adds to his legendary status in the NBA coaching fraternity.

As Wembanyama continues to impress on the court, Popovich's humorous remark serves as a reminder of the enduring wisdom and wit that have defined his coaching career. With Popovich at the helm, the Spurs can look forward to nurturing young talents like Wembanyama while savoring the finer things in life, both on and off the court.

Victor Wembanyama Could Become The Best Player In The League Within 2 Years

Victor Wembanyama's meteoric rise in the NBA has been nothing short of astonishing. As the number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he's lived up to the hype and then some. His stats speak for themselves: averaging 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.5 blocks per game, while shooting nearly 47% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc.

But it's not just his offensive prowess that sets him apart. Wembanyama's defensive numbers are equally impressive, if not more so. Comparing his stats to defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert, Wembanyama holds a significant advantage in blocks, steals, defensive rebounds, and deflections. His ability to alter shots with his 8-foot wingspan has put him in elite company, with only a handful of players in NBA history achieving similar defensive numbers.

While Gobert may have the edge in terms of opponent field goal percentage within six feet, Wembanyama's impact on his team's defense is undeniable. Advanced metrics like Defensive EPM, Defensive LEBRON, and Defensive RAPTOR all favor Wembanyama, highlighting his overall defensive impact on the court.

Despite his defensive prowess, Wembanyama remains humble, acknowledging Gobert's dominance in the league. However, his confidence is palpable, with bold statements suggesting that Gobert's reign as Defensive Player of the Year may soon come to an end.

Offensively, Wembanyama continues to evolve, utilizing his size and skill to dominate opponents. While his three-point shot is still a work in progress, his ability to score in the paint and create mismatches makes him a nightmare for defenders.

As NBA veteran Damian Lillard aptly put it, Wembanyama has the potential to become the best player in the league within just two years. With his combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, the sky's the limit for the young phenom. As he continues to refine his game and mature as a player, Wembanyama could indeed ascend to the pinnacle of NBA greatness in the near future.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.