Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs’ Gregg Popovich On Victor Wembanyama: He Has Tim Duncan Attitude On Things

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated 3/12/24

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich compared rookie Victor Wembanyama to franchise icon and NBA legend Tim Duncan.

Popovich said Wembanyama has the same attitude as Duncan.

Another quote from Pop on how Wemby maintains his poise on the court: "He will make a step-back three and he won’t act like it is the first step-back three that has ever been made. He is just got more or less the Tim Duncan sort of attitude on things. That’s just who he is."

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 12, 2024

Duncan is one of the most humble players in NBA history. He was never arrogant despite being a once-in-a-generation figure. It seems like the Spurs have another humble star in Wembanyama.

The 20-year-old Wembanyama is expected to win the Rookie of the Year Award. He’s averaging 20.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.4 blocks while shooting 46.8% from the field, 33.4% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line.

Wembanyama leads the NBA in blocks and blocks per game. Even though the Spurs have the worst record in the Western Conference, the team certainly has a bright future with Wembanyama leading the way.

Duncan spent his entire storied career with the Spurs. He won five titles, three Finals MVPs and two regular-season MVPs.

Duncan holds career averages of 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.2 blocks. He’s 16th all-time in points and seventh in rebounds.

It will be fun to track Wembanyama’s career with the Spurs. He has the skills and work ethic to become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: