San Antonio — Rookie center Victor Wembanyama has already earned the confidence of the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff and locker room by consistently prioritizing the collective over individual accolades, according to team personnel.
“I have never one time seen him put anything individually self-serving above the team in any way,” head coach Mitch Johnson said. “He’s one of the 18 members of the team and he acts like that 100 percent of the time.”
Inside the organization, coaches and players draw comparisons between Wembanyama’s humility and the approach once displayed by franchise greats David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Like those Hall of Famers, the No. 1 overall pick embraces tough coaching and declines preferential treatment.
“I want to be held accountable. I don’t want favors. I want the same treatment as everybody else,” Wembanyama said.
Veterans and younger teammates alike say the 7-foot-4 rookie’s demeanor does not vary with his minutes, contract status, or growing spotlight. Wing Stanley Umude noted Wembanyama’s inclusive attitude: “It doesn’t matter who you are, he’s trying to embrace you. He’s all about winning. No ego stuff going on.”
While San Antonio remains in a rebuild and Wembanyama continues to adjust to the NBA, team officials believe the culture component—a trademark of previous championship eras—is already in place.
Source: Hoops Wire
