Without a doubt, Victor Wembanyama has dropped jaws everywhere in his first season playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Turns out, Denver Nuggets A ll-Star center Nikola Jokic and head coach Michael Malone are big believers of the the rookie’s future in the NBA.
Just recently, San Antonio met the Nuggets in their home court and endured a 110-105 loss to the defending champions. Jokic put up a monster performance by dropping 42 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists to help Denver pick up the win. Aaron Gordon made 23 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 15 points and 16 rebounds to help his team seal the deal against the Spurs.
On the other hand, San Antonio were missing two key players in Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan. As a result, Malaki Branham stepped up and poured 24 points in 37 minutes. Wembanyama, meanwhile, showed off by posting 23 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, and nine blocks in 33 minutes.
The win helped Denver get the number one seed in the Western Conference back after their record improved to 53-23. The loss, however, dropped San Antonio to the bottom of the standings with 18 wins and 58 losses.
Denver Nuggets’ Michael Malone and Nikola Jokic Issue Bold Claim About San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama
After the game, both Jokic and Malone spoke highly of the Spurs rookie. In an article by Ryan Blackburn for Mile High Sports:
“He’s the future of the NBA,” Michael Malone said of Wembanyama. “We’re watching the ascension of the next great player in the NBA,” Blackburn wrote.
Jokic, meanwhile, also had kind words for Wembanyama, as seen in a tweet by Adam Mares.
Jokic said of Wemby that he’s hungry, he works hard, and he’s humble. “That’s a good combination,” Mares tweeted.
Wembanyama is on pace to win Rookie of the Year this season and contend for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Add an improving skill in dishing out assists, as noted by Malone, and there’s nothing the rookie won’t be able to do in the coming years.
With the regular season coming to an end, the Spurs can focus on building an appropriate roster around the French star. If they succeed, the entire NBA will certainly take notice on how better he’ll be.
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