Trailing the New York Knicks 2-0 in the NBA Finals, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama acknowledged his team might not fully appreciate the rarity of the moment.
Speaking to French media after Game 2, the 22-year-old said New York appears to understand “how fortunate they are to be in the Finals” and realizes future chances are never guaranteed. “As for us, we’re kind of like spoiled kids,” Wembanyama added, noting that several Spurs players are experiencing their first postseason run and “don’t fully realize it yet.”
Veteran forward Harrison Barnes delivered a similar warning inside the locker room, urging teammates not to take the opportunity for granted. Game 2 reinforced that lesson for Wembanyama: despite sparking a late rally, he committed a turnover and foul in the final seconds before missing a potential game-winner.
Thunder
In Oklahoma City, the offseason’s biggest decision centers on Isaiah Hartenstein. The 7-footer holds a $28.5 million team option for 2024-25. League sources expect the Thunder to decline the option and negotiate a new contract, capitalizing on the club’s salary-cap flexibility.
Hartenstein was instrumental in the Thunder’s playoff run, supplying size and physicality against San Antonio after Oklahoma City altered its Western Conference finals game plan. “I love being here. I love the organization,” Hartenstein said during exit interviews, adding that the next move is “in their hands.”
Jazz
The Utah Jazz, who vaulted to No. 2 in the NBA Draft lottery, could soon face a lineup squeeze. If center Walker Kessler returns healthy from shoulder surgery and signs a new deal, he is expected to start alongside Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., forming one of the league’s tallest frontcourts.
That scenario would leave backcourt minutes up for grabs among Keyonte George, Ace Bailey and whichever prospect Utah selects with the No. 2 pick, as the franchise pushes toward Western Conference contention.
Source: Hoops Wire
