It Was Fitting That Tim Duncan Watched Wembanyama Break His Record

Pressure for Wemby

The five years following Ginobili’s retirement and Parker’s exit have been saturated with difficult moments for the Spurs. Before this season, the Spurs had made the playoffs just once since the big three left, in 2018-19. 

Now, Wembanyama is looking to right the ship and cement his squad as postseason threats for years to come. 

For all the noise surrounding whether or not Wemby can be the next Tim Duncan, the 22-year-old is focused on shaping his own legacy. Still, that doesn’t mean he is ignorant to the lofty expectations in place. Where some might interpret the presence of the organization’s former stars as daunting, Wemby sees it as comforting.

“I wouldn’t say weight, no. I would say safe,” he said, when asked if he feels the weight of the Spurs legends around him. 

“It feels like if you trip, there’s a lot of hands that are ready to catch you. From day one it’s felt that way.”

Wemby is in the care of people who have reached the heights he is actively striving towards. People who want nothing more than to see him and the team be successful. 

Wemby’s Connections with Spurs Champs

His relationship with former players didn’t just begin once the team locked in a playoff spot. The Spurs’ icons have affirmed their support to him ever since Wemby was drafted. 

“It’s so comforting to see that these people who were so important to the city of San Antonio and to the franchise are such kind people and generous,” Wemby said in his introductory press conference. 

He had gone to dinner with Robinson, Ginobili, Duncan, and Sean Elliott before the start of his rookie season. There, he got more acquainted with the names of those who built the franchise he hopes to add onto.

“They genuinely wanted to share with me their experiences,” he detailed of their dinner. “And I feel like they’ve already started to take great care of me.”

Sky Is the Limit for Victor Wembanyama

Wemby is eager to learn from those around him. But he knows that this version of the Spurs is different from that of the dynasty years. As much knowledge as he soaks up, he is in control of his own legacy. The ultimate barometer of the Spurs future will be dictated by him, not by those who are no longer playing.

Wemby eclipsing Duncan in points in a playoff debut wasn’t so much the mark of a passing-of-the-torch moment as it was a reminder of all that Spurs fans have to be excited about.

Carving out a Hall of Fame career is not one that comes without bumps and bruises. Luckily for Wemby, those who have been down the path before are guiding him as much as he needs it. 

If Sunday’s record-setting performance provided any insight into his spot in history, the Spurs may find themselves making room for another jersey in the rafters.

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