NBA – Orphaned by Gregg Popovich at the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama admits: “He continues to do that to us”

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

Very discreet in recent months in the media, Victor Wembanyama had not had the opportunity to react to Gregg Popovich’s retirement. He finally did so in the last few hours, with a major admission about his former coach.

Ever more ambitious at the dawn of the 2024-25 campaign, they have nonetheless suffered several blows of fate that have inevitably weighed them down. The Spurs, for example, have not been spared from injury in recent months. In addition to De’Aaron Fox, who underwent surgery on his left hand, Victor Wembanyama was also unable to play at the end of the season, suffering from a venous thrombosis in his right shoulder.

And since two misfortunes clearly never come alone, Gregg Popovich has also lamented the health problems that have kept him away from the courts for even longer. His cardiovascular problems led him to give up his place on the San Antonio bench back in November. A position he never regained, before making a decision that seemed in keeping with the times.

Victor Wembanyama pays tribute to Gregg Popovich

At the age of 76, Popovich announced his retirement from coaching in early May. However, he did not bid farewell to the Spurs, where he will now take on a less energy-intensive role as team president. In the meantime, Victor Wembanyama spoke on Saturday about his ex-coach’s difficult final months, and in particular his resilience. Larry Holder of The Athletic reports:

Victor Wembanyama: We were all very close in the team. (…) So it’s always sad and shocking when something like that happens. That said, Coach Pop’s reaction impressed us.

Although very old and weakened, the legendary tactician fought to get back on his feet as quickly as possible, setting a fine example for his players.

Even a workaholic like Wembanyama would have been flabbergasted by his efforts, which he says remain a source of inspiration to this day:

Victor Wembanyama: What’s incredible about him is that he continues to convey hope, just by being the person he is. He continues to inspire us with the way he works. I can tell you that he works harder than most athletes in the world!

Even though he will no longer be operating on the sidelines, Coach Pop’ should not be idle in the offices of his beloved franchise. With such an admirable pilot on board, the latter can count itself in good hands.