Pounding The Rock: All Posts by J.R. WilcoFor all your Manu Ginobili loving and San Antonio Spurs newshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/12497/ptr-fv.jpg2024-02-18T12:18:00-06:00https://www.poundingtherock.com/authors/j-r-wilco/rss2024-02-18T12:18:00-06:002024-02-18T12:18:00-06:00Watch Dominick Barlow in the NBA Up Next game — for free
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<img alt="NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m_GdoVL-z6dCPk3i18b-9rLVa_g=/0x59:2567x1770/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73148412/usa_today_22493767.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>YouTube is carrying the G League’s Up Next Game, the next Spurs content in All Star Weekend. </p> <p id="UdQNVh">If you thought that Wemby’s appearance in Saturday night’s Skills challenge was the last <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> content in the NBA All Star Weekend, then you have an unexpected surprise coming because you can watch Dominick Barlow represent in the G League’s Up Next game, being carried on YouTube. </p>
<p id="G57iI4">The game begins at 12:30 CT. Enjoy!</p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/2/18/24076675/san-antonio-spurs-nba-all-star-weekend-dominick-barlow-g-league-up-next-gameJ.R. Wilco2023-12-25T20:34:07-06:002023-12-25T20:34:07-06:00Merry Christmas greetings from Wemby Claus
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<p>SA’s ROTY candidate offers a “Ho! Ho! Ho!”</p> <p id="afe74v">It's Christmas, and Victor played Santa for us all. </p>
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<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Merry Christmas!! <a href="https://t.co/JUf7WARMIq">pic.twitter.com/JUf7WARMIq</a></p>— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealPjHoops/status/1739164069322485765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a>
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<p id="AfwjJj">I hope all you £ers have a great day, and end the year on a high note. </p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/12/25/24014726/merry-christmas-greetings-from-wemby-clausJ.R. Wilco2023-10-29T13:54:55-05:002023-10-29T13:54:55-05:00The wing-centric game of Victor Wembanyama
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<img alt="Houston Rockets v San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_lYJUnYhPVWzad9H2VSyV556s9o=/0x35:4000x2702/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72806904/1761778129.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Wemby’s defense is all-court, but his offense is reminiscent of all-star wings of the past and present. </p> <p id="6ET9Xx"></p>
<p id="KIyH8h">One of the most impressive plays from the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> win over the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com">Houston Rockets</a> on Friday by Victor Wembanyama didn’t make the broadcast and was only available on a few of the highlight videos I found on YouTube. So I feel compelled to provide it for your enjoyment and edification. </p>
<p id="p7VRVK">But I’d have probably have written this post even if the play WAS widely available, because it’s so impressive, and so indicative of Wemby’s talent as a wing. To wit: have a look at this play, and think “Now, who does that move remind me of?”</p>
<div id="q0h236"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 54.0625%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/cr5v81" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="AGjB2a">I’ve asked a number of people for their reactions and I’ve gotten some responses from Kobe Bryant to Manu Ginobili (with <a href="https://youtu.be/3rvK3Ys2umE?si=vW66NVMkSOnJQxt5">this play</a> accompanying the response) and I thought immediately of Steph Curry. Regardless of the applicability or fairness of any of these comparisons, the point is that they’re all wings. So far, Wembanyama’s offensive game, for all of his size and length, is overwhelmingly that of a floor-stretching, open-court, transition-attacking, mid-range nightmare. </p>
<p id="SCeS3L">Of course, defense is a different story, and to illustrate that point, I give you the following video that I found very detailed and informative. It has a ton of fun tidbits, as well as the memorable line, “no one is safe from Wemby.”</p>
<div id="WRPN8n"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U72ml7MqFaM?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="niAug3">One of the cool things I noticed from the video is this instant from Jabari Smith Jr. after Wemby’s second straight block. And I love it because this is the way I’ve always played basketball — rejoicing is amazing plays, even if they’re at my expense. I mean, just look at the smile of Smith’s face. Sure, he’s wishing that he had been able to score, but he also knows how incredibly difficult it was to do what Victor just did, and he’s allowing himself to enjoy it even as he sprints back on defense. </p>
<div id="JpEQPA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/1sj6nl" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Z5Dzko">And finally, there’s this moment of Wemby joy that starts off the video. I missed seeing this Friday night and it warms my heart to see the man so unrestrained in his rejoicing as he gets his first NBA victory. </p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/10/29/23937346/wing-centric-game-victor-wembanyama-san-antonio-spurs-kobe-bryant-steph-curryJ.R. Wilco2023-10-25T16:52:09-05:002023-10-25T16:52:09-05:00Victor Wembanyama asks, “Are they?”
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<img alt="Houston Rockets v San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T-R_NqeSNLJi8SY_xq8GfOQsfT8=/0x19:3226x2170/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72793905/1732557307.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>And doesn’t much care if they are or not. </p> <p id="LeUTfq">Victor Wembanyama has (let’s use an understatement today) performed adequately leading up to his first regular season game for the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a>. In the closing hours of the league’s offseason, I’d like to draw your attention to both the large number and the high quality of his memorable moments leading up to his NBA debut. Also, I’d like to point out my favorite one.</p>
<p id="OIxh1x">First, there were the the profound answers he gave to some probing questions on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wg3_c_4glE">JJ Reddick’s podcast</a> just before the Spurs drafted him. If you haven’t watched the whole thing, you should. If you don’t have time, then at least skip to the section about how Wemby stays grounded which begins at 28:50. I’ll be candid and tell you that this is the point where I became a fan.</p>
<p id="zUzRF7">Second, we’ll go to a lightning round as some moments can be described pretty simply, like, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBuUkEbRaP8">the nutmeg</a>, as well as ... The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwK22bhaKco">up an under</a> against OKC (and in <a href="https://x.com/projectspurs/status/1711559875501740100?s=20">slow motion</a>). The rebounding while going out of bounds <a href="https://x.com/UsherNBA/status/1714820930755575858?s=20">behind the back</a> pass for a three against Houston. The outside the restricted area dunk against Miami and the haunted <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1713192952481173535?s=20">reaction it provoked</a>. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywf7ebAuTEA">give-and-go alley-oop</a> he initiated from the 3-point line. And the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/10/21/23926452/victor-wembanyama-san-antonio-spurs-golden-state-warriors-dominate-performance-block">90 seconds of domination</a> I detailed in an earlier piece. </p>
<p id="7NaSMB">Finally there’s my favorite of them all. It’s a moment after yesterday’s practice, which I’ll just call the “Are they?” </p>
<div id="1wwD12"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/27tl8e" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="K0hDR1">You can watch this moment in context, if you like, beginning at the 1:30 mark of <a href="https://youtu.be/-IjCgBPn8fg?si=72z8B-1GpCu8zrLn">this video</a>. It begins with the question, “Victor, so many people are talking about what they expect you to do, and you know, what, what, uh ...” to which Wemby interjects a knowing, “Are they?” When I watched it, I nearly burst out laughing. </p>
<p id="24mlqy">This moment communicates so much in a handful of seconds and just two words. The arched eyebrow registers with me as if to say, “Sure, let’s talk about <em><strong>expectations</strong></em>, as if they’re actually important.” His look-off as he speaks before turning back to the questioner insures that he’s not directing distain to the media member, but instead to the recognition of so many people’s ideas about him being something he has to own personally. The quick smile and glance before returning his attention to the questioner gives the impression of taking it in good humor and with patience while being able to laugh at the whole situation. Then there’s the time he takes to listen to the rest of the question and give a thoughtful reply, which shows once again how unruffled his approach to the press is. </p>
<p id="uxfniW">This is my current favorite moment, because it has all the rest of them wrapped up in it. It’s Wembanyama as a person not being overly impressed with his situation, the trappings, the attention, or himself. It shows that he’s more than just a collection of talents. He’s a quality individual that would be noteworthy without his extreme physical gifts. Which is important because if the man is going to be able to achieve his long-term goal of winning as many championships as possible, it’s going to be a long haul. And the main predictors of repeated success are attitude mindset, internal fortitude, the commitment to persevere, a sense of humor, and enough good grace to not take it all too seriously, and sometimes just respond, “Are they?”</p>
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<p id="w2kgqK">As a bonus, if you have some time to kill before the game, here’s a video of every play Wemby made in the whole preseason. Enjoy.</p>
<div id="8MFzfS"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q_ygGfnFzQc?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/10/25/23932310/victor-wembanyama-are-they-media-questionsJ.R. Wilco2023-10-21T12:18:07-05:002023-10-21T12:18:07-05:00The 90 seconds Victor Wembanyama took over the Warriors game
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Golden State Warriors" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_Wb-I5Wp4-gvI2_qjGxv6hnHheI=/0x387:2745x2217/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72779748/1747621990.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In the first quarter of Friday’s preseason game in Golden State, Victor put on an absolute show. </p> <p id="ZKsXpa">Watching your team go on a run during a game is one of the best experiences a fan can have. They score, and then stop the other team. They score again, and get a turnover and score again. It’s the kind of thing that sends an arena into a frenzy and prompts the opposing coach to call a timeout. </p>
<p id="jfZv6B">But when a player on your team goes on a run, it’s even better. I have countless memories of <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> games where Tim Duncan, or Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker made a series of plays on both ends of the court to turn the game. The timeouts after those runs are even more memorable as you feast on multiple views of the plays where someone is in the zone so completely that the entire game seems to have been set up to showcase their talents. </p>
<p id="JpQNWL">Victor Wembanyama had a moment like that against the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com">Golden State Warriors</a> from 6:33 to 5:05 of the first quarter of Friday night’s preseason game. </p>
<p id="qxiwSF">Officially, the box score reads like this:</p>
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<p id="Q4eZhr">While a <s>8-2</s> 10-2 run over less than a minute-and-a-half is impressive, reducing this run to text robs it of its impact. So let’s see the action:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby did all this in 90 seconds <a href="https://t.co/LwKec8Nc4j">pic.twitter.com/LwKec8Nc4j</a></p>— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/1715557740645327071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="JcHa92">So that’s an isolation, pump-fake, 19-foot jumper followed by a rebound where he brings the ball up the court, gives it up, resets after a lob opportunity was missed, isolates again to go around Klay Thompson like he’s hardly there for an extremely difficult bucket-and-one, hits the freebie, blocks Thompson’s three at the top of the arc and runs out for a breakaway dunk (while faking Klay’s block attempt to send him flying), absolutely denies Andrew Wiggins any opportunity to score in an extended dribbling sequence culminating in a block that Jeremy Sochan gathers and gives back to a gesturing Wemby calling for the ball before stroking a dead-ahead three to complete the run. </p>
<p id="w1sZJe">Just a ridiculously breathless sequence against Curry’s Warriors. Let’s see all of his highlights now. </p>
<div id="f3bent"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jMNVtvt5tLE?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="bdCW5R">Finally, here are the entire game highlights (look out for the multiple head shakes from Warriors players just trying to come to grips with what the rookie was giving them).</p>
<div id="KZR3Q6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EHX49cvvZY?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="PgsPQQ">I think I can say I’m ready for the season to begin now, and it looks like the same could be said of Wembanyama.</p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/10/21/23926452/victor-wembanyama-san-antonio-spurs-golden-state-warriors-dominate-performance-blockJ.R. Wilco2023-07-20T19:31:03-05:002023-07-20T19:31:03-05:00Victor Wembanyama and his skyhook
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<img alt="Victor Wembanyama visits with Media during 2023 NBA Draft week in New York City" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CE9bF98Slt67Vfw4JKnlXCGgIEs=/0x979:3592x3374/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72470566/1258921984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Now we’re counting the days until we get to see it in action.</p> <p id="LRvJwt">Victor Wembanyama recently admitted that <a href="https://twitter.com/realpjhoops/status/1681771084549373952?s=46&t=_tQDWFDiZg2eQTRMP9mabw">he’s working on his version of a skyhook</a>, which prompts some questions. Like, what would that what would that look like? What would the threat of a skyhook do to enable the rest of his game, as well as the whole <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> offense, and how long would that take until it’s ready for prime time?</p>
<div id="lOgnoK"><iframe title="Victor Wembanyama and his skyhook" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=iifwb-145f01f-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="zdhEVv">Fortunately, Jacob Douglas was available to join me on episode 20 of the Four Down podcast and talk through all of the above with me, as well as what kind of offense will the Spurs feature next season, what kind of offense we can expect from the Spurs to begin the regular season, what Wemby did well in Summer League and the chances we’ll see those things come October, and finally, we discuss our favorite basketball movies of all time — as well as our runner ups. </p>
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https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/7/20/23802454/victor-wembanyama-skyhook-san-antonio-spurs-four-down-podcastJ.R. Wilco2023-07-09T23:30:02-05:002023-07-09T23:30:02-05:00Victor Wembanyama drops 27 and 12 in a Summer League loss
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<img alt="2023 NBA Summer League - San Antonio Spurs v Portland Trail Blazers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZCfsRUx1LHH4eem1npwN0WiTCpM=/0x235:2564x1944/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72438791/1529541588.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The summer Spurs lost to the summer Trail Blazers, but that’s not why anyone will remember this game.</p> <p id="Vr8mNE"></p>
<p id="lg7Ikg">After the first game that the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> played in the 2023 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-summer-league">Las Vegas Summer League</a>, Victor Wembanyama <a href="https://youtu.be/EZJ_00KvE-g">spoke with the press</a>, and toward the middle of the interview, this is what he said:</p>
<p id="hbiDhJ">“My best games, personally, are when I’II start by getting some physical baskets inside then...I get some drives. Then the Defenders back up so I can shoot. You know, it’s really punishing in different areas that make the job harder for the opponents ... this is really what I like to do because during the season teams adapt, opponents adapt, and being a playmaker also is some something I like to do when they start to double team ... I like to have that large panel of things I can do.”</p>
<p id="BJ7fbU">With that in mind, have a look at Sunday night’s highlights against the summer Portland Train Blazers and tell me if you think Victor would consider his 27 point, 12 rebound, 3 block, 1 steal performance a good game or not.</p>
<div id="nHsLHJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U6fdQ_Pluh0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Az2W5q">Also, here are the entire game highlights. </p>
<div id="MutSQH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vVXlwGkwO8I?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="1EApr3">And here’s what Wemby had to say after the game.</p>
<div id="WWj2Yj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yVXHFsfyIbk?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/7/9/23789314/victor-wembanyama-drops-27-and-12-in-a-summer-league-lossJ.R. Wilco2023-06-22T16:51:03-05:002023-06-22T16:51:03-05:00The definitive Victor Wembanyama pre-draft guide
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<img alt="NBA Cares State Farm Assist Tracker Dedication Event" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PN8TuQPl24RPwptz-WdGIVgMoVY=/12x0:6048x4024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72393965/1258919565.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>For any Spurs fans who may have been living under a rock.</p> <p id="NeUVMm">I will admit it, during the entirety of the last <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> season, I knew that the team was well positioned to get the top pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> Lottery, but I could not let myself dare to hope that it would happen. This meant that as the basketball world came into closer and closer orbit around Victor Wembanyama, I chose to remain blissfully unaware. Now, while the merits of self-imposed ignorance are many and varied, the truth is that those in my position have some catching up to do. </p>
<p id="EBzQ3c">So I’ve dived deeply into the world of Wemby content in order to prepare this pre-draft guide for anyone who finds themselves in need of context and background on the player everyone is expecting to be picked first in the NBA Draft. </p>
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<p id="ZTeiIy">I’ve chosen to begin with this video from The Ringer. J. Kyle Mann regularly turns out excellent work, but he’s outdone himself with this video that does an excellent job of contextualizing Wemby’s skills and what they’ll mean to the league that will be showcasing them.</p>
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<p id="b5t5zk">Here’s an ESPN video in which Victor declares for draft and discusses some of his insane plays on both offense and defense. </p>
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<p id="MivHub">I enjoyed this profile from ESPN that aired January of this year that begins with Wembanyama’s agent discussing the teams as the bottom of the standings and goes on to provide a ton of background information as well as a description of the role that Pistol Pete Maravich’s ballhandling videos played in VW’s development.</p>
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<p id="bqeWB7">In SI’s profile, Victor talks about being a fan of science fiction, how he’s such a Start Wars geek that he reads the books! And and he drops the following quotes: “Every game is an artwork in itself” — “I like being called an alien.” “There’s really not pressure … I’m just focused on my goals.”</p>
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<p id="xgZmE4">In this ESPN post-lottery conversation, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon discuss their take on Wemby, evaluate the environment of San Antonio as a place for him to develop, and gush about the sheer talent he displays.</p>
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<p id="myPGvc">Here’s a crew at ESPN in the aftermath of the series that Wembanyama’s team played in Vegas against Scoot Henderson’s Ignite team, which includes the stellar quotes: “...these showcases, never match the hype, and this one exceeded the hype” and “LeBron would have gone second in a draft behind Wembanyama.”</p>
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<p id="gy31d3">This piece from Zach Lowe and Jonathan Givony considers the San Antonio Spurs’ chances to make the playoffs next season, and includes an expectation that there isn’t a question “about how good is he going to be, but how quickly is he going to be good.”</p>
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<p id="sVuVqE">Here’s on that I found particularly enjoyable. It’s Tim MacMahon and Kirk Goldsberry discussing San Antonio’s current roster (Jeremy Sochan specifically) and how any new dynasty in SA will be built on defense. Around the 17th minute, they consider VW with the Spurs as one of the more interesting Sports science projects in league history (how do you build this guy sustainably?) with a mention of how <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/pages/ptr-lexicon#PATFO">PATFO</a> responded to extending Timmy’s career as his knee became more of a problem — which is where “load management” started becoming a thing. (Remember “DNP: Old”?) They end with a terrific closing comment from Kirk, “I’m happy for the league itself, because if there’s one organization who can take a French phenom and turn him into a Finals MVP, it’s San Antonio.”</p>
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<p id="7X2sj2">I love the YouTube channel Thinking Basketball, and this video that just dropped is a testament to the kind of content Ben Taylor creates, as well as an excellent analysis of what it takes to be successful in the NBA today.</p>
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<p id="A4pxln">For anyone who wants to read (instead of just watching videos) do yourself a favor and enjoy <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/5/31/23740849/victor-wembanyama-truly-is-a-perfect-prospect">Jesus Gomez’s post</a> about why VW is a perfect prospect.</p>
<p id="RvL088">Finally, Ricky O’Donnell dropped this gem earlier today: <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2023/6/21/23756764/victor-wembanyama-best-plays-video-highlights-nba-draft-spurs">35 plays</a> that prove VW’s one of the best draft prospects ever. If you’ve gotten down here without watching any video, then this isn’t a bad link to use to update yourself in a single go. </p>
<p id="OBuIHd">Enjoy Draft Night, and have a wonderfully Wemby summer!</p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/6/22/23752957/definitive-victor-wembanyama-pre-draft-guide-nbaJ.R. Wilco2023-05-15T22:04:30-05:002023-05-15T22:04:30-05:00What the Spurs could do with pick number two
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<img alt="NBA: Preseason-Miami Heat at San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3JNAFC85J29FhaxN3On4E-EbSYc=/0x0:3399x2266/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72283497/usa_today_8151141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Enjoy the inaugural episode of the Four Down podcast, as the boys discuss the NBA Draft Lottery.</p> <p id="SIU79v">Now that the Conference Finals matchups are solidified and excitement around the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA Playoffs</a> continues to escalate, fans of teams engaged in the Trauma for Wembanyama Sweepstakes are also nearing peak levels. The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> Lottery is Tuesday, and the destination of the next generational talent will be determined. But Victor Wembanyama will have 59 draft mates, and the teams who do not win the right to select him will have the opportunity to add talent to compete against him in the years to come.</p>
<p id="iisDSr">The debate over who goes second is currently raging, as Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, Amen and Ausar Thompson have made their cases and eagerly await their chance to play in the NBA. While there appears to be a steep drop off in talent after the 5th pick, it’s helpful to remember that we’re attempting to predict the futures of 18, 19 and 20 year old men. </p>
<p id="Stbs5e">To that end, I figured it’d be fun to get back into the podcasting game. If you care to have a listen, you can do so below (while the apps that be take their sweet old time listing the latest offering.)</p>
<div id="M0DhL9"><iframe title="If the Spurs get the second pick in the NBA Draft Lottery" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rbhnw-140c617-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>
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<p id="XRMvet">I was curious what Jacob Douglas and Tim Sawtelle thought about the #2 pick, and what the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> should do if the ping pong balls don’t fall right, and the team comes up one pick short of the top spot. Does anyone stand out as the next best fit in San Antonio? We also discuss whether the Warriors dynasty has finally ended, and which are the top five nicknames among players who will play in the NBA next season. All that and more, on the first episode of the Four Down podcast.</p>
<p id="BU0XVY"> </p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/5/15/23723462/nba-draft-victor-wembanyama-four-down-podcast-scoot-henderson-brandon-miller-amen-thompsonJ.R. WilcotsawtelleJacob Douglas2022-12-19T13:15:00-06:002022-12-19T13:15:00-06:00The Spurs, writing, and ChatGPT
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<img alt="Syndication: Observer and?Eccentric" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BydcQr-cd8ZcHylita2CY2nVm2I=/0x1871:2851x3772/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71769170/usa_today_15989808.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Susan Bromley | Hometownlife.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
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<p id="gdG7fR">You may have heard about the AI chatbot that’s being represented as a major threat to ... well, in one way or another, to every writer on the planet. So, in curiosity as to the size and shape of this challenge (not to mention how impending it is) I created an OpenAI account and asked ChatGPT to generate a 1000 word article in the style of Zach Lowe on the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a>’ chances of getting the top spot in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA draft</a> in order to sign Victor Wembanyama. </p>
<p id="ewuud6">And I was filled with a sense of peace as it replied with the following response that’s barely 400 words long. </p>
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<p id="oeQ833">The San Antonio Spurs have been a mainstay in the NBA for decades, but in recent years, their performance has slipped. The team has failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs for the past two seasons, and they currently sit near the bottom of the league standings. This has led many to speculate about the team’s future, with some suggesting that they could be in line for the top spot in the upcoming NBA draft.</p>
<p id="rlYZBj">If the Spurs do end up with the top pick, they will likely be in a prime position to sign Victor Wembanyama, a highly-touted prospect from France. Standing at 7’2”, Wembanyama is an incredibly talented big man who has drawn comparisons to NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon. He is a dominant force on both ends of the court, and many believe that he has the potential to be a franchise player.</p>
<p id="oNPLJR">The Spurs have had success in the past with international players, most notably with Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Both players played key roles in helping the team win multiple NBA championships, and it’s possible that Wembanyama could have a similar impact.</p>
<p id="Ii2DB4">If the Spurs do manage to sign Wembanyama, they will need to surround him with the right pieces in order to maximize his potential. This could mean making some tough decisions in terms of personnel, as the team may need to clear some space in order to make room for him.</p>
<p id="7plhdr">One player who could be on the chopping block is veteran forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is still a very talented player, but at 35 years old, he may not be part of the team’s long-term plans. Moving him could free up some much-needed cap space for the Spurs to make a play for Wembanyama.</p>
<p id="PfRALq">Another option for the Spurs could be to trade for a younger, more athletic player who can complement Wembanyama’s skill set. The team has been rumored to be interested in guards like Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom could provide the team with some much-needed scoring and playmaking ability.</p>
<p id="MmBNfV">Ultimately, the Spurs’ chances of landing the top spot in the draft and signing Wembanyama are uncertain. There are a lot of factors at play, and the team will need a lot of luck in order to make it happen. But if they do, they could be well on their way to rebuilding their team and returning to championship contention.</p>
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<p id="MswV5Q">I wondered if perhaps I was being harsh on the bot by only giving it one chance when the website states under its Capabilities that it “Remembers what user said earlier in the conversation” and “Allows user to provide follow-up corrections.”</p>
<p id="KZOJVS">So I replied with, “LaMarcus Aldridge left the Spurs during the 2021 season and Wembanyama is more comparable to Giannis Antetokounmpo than Hakeem Okajuwon,” and waited to see if it would reply with an update. But all it said in response was this canned speech:</p>
<p id="ysnEqi">“I apologize if the information in my previous response was not accurate. I am a large language model trained by OpenAI and my knowledge is limited to what I was trained on, which was up until 2021. I am not able to browse the web or access updated information, so I cannot provide current information on the San Antonio Spurs or the NBA in general. My responses are based on the information and style that I was trained on, and may not reflect real-world events or current circumstances.”</p>
<p id="mQ6eA0">Oh well. Guess we’re safe for the moment, </p>
https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/12/19/23517283/the-spurs-writing-and-chatgptJ.R. Wilco