TITLE: Wembanyama’s Team-First Mindset Sets Tone as Spurs Highlight Rookie Stories, Fox’s Leadership and Paul’s Retirement
SLUG: spurs-roundup-wembanyama-bryant-fox-castle-paul
CONTENT:
San Antonio, TX — Head coach Mitch Johnson says 7’5″ center Victor Wembanyama continues to win over the Spurs locker room by treating himself as “one of the 18 members of the team,” never putting personal goals ahead of the group. “He acts like that 100 percent of the time,” Johnson said.
Wembanyama, who seeks equal accountability from the coaching staff, echoed the sentiment. “I don’t want favors. I want the same treatment as everybody else,” the second-year star said. Teammates confirm the approach. “He’s all about winning. No ego stuff,” two-way wing Stanley Umude noted.
Carter Bryant’s Unconventional Path
Rookie forward Carter Bryant, 20, grew up in a household where American Sign Language was the primary form of communication. As a grandchild of deaf adults, he honed defensive instincts by playing pick-up games with deaf classmates, learning to rely on vision and footwork rather than verbal cues. “You kind of have no idea what’s going on behind you,” Bryant told The Athletic. “We take it for granted as players.”
Fox Sparks Fourth-Quarter Surge
Veteran guard De’Aaron Fox challenged the Spurs during Wednesday’s matchup with Golden State after sensing a drop in intensity. “Do we want to be the team that every opponent wants in the playoffs?” he asked. San Antonio responded, outscoring a short-handed Warriors squad by 13 in the final period. Hours later, Fox was named an All-Star injury replacement.
Castle Credits CP3 as Sophomore Slump Avoided
Second-year guard Stephon Castle, the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year, said advice from former teammate Chris Paul helped him navigate his follow-up season. “He was a coach on the floor for us at all times, especially for me,” Castle said. Paul, waived by Toronto on Friday, officially announced his NBA retirement the same day.
Source: Hoops Rumors
