Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs may long be out of playoff contention for the 2023-24 season, but that doesn’t mean they’re taking their foot off the gas pedal.

At this point of the season, the Spurs are doing everything they can to give Victor Wembanyama as much game time as he needs. He’s the clear anchor the Spurs will build their team around, so getting him used to the rigors of a full NBA season will help in his development into a superstar.

While there’s not a lot to expect out of Wemby’s rookie campaign, he’s already altering conversations as one of the most outstanding rookies to play in the NBA. His most recent performance against the Philadelphia 76ers is giving Spurs fans a neat preview of what they can expect out of Wemby for the rest of the decade.

Victor Wembanyama breaks new ground as San Antonio Spurs trip against Philadelphia

The Spurs were outclassed on all fronts when they faced the Philadelphia 76ers in their second and last game of the season, 133-126 . Any tactics Gregg Popovich employed to stop Tyrese Maxey failed as the Kentucky product put up 52 points despite a lack of efficient shooting (19 for 41) on the floor.

However, Wemby also put up terrific numbers on his own. The league’s official Twitter account posted the incredible stat line he had against a team that didn’t have Joel Embiid playing:

To see such incredible numbers coming from a rookie of all people shows just how great of a fit Wembanyama is for the modern game. His unique mix of height and finesse helped keep the final score less embarrassing than it would have been.

While it’s clear that the San Antonio Spurs also need to step up in providing a solid roster for Wemby,  it’s clear that the future is bright with Wemby on the team. The fact that he promises better things for the fanbase is also enough reason for everyone bleeding silver and black to be hopeful of their future.

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