SAN ANTONIO — Tonight not only marks the start of the San Antonio Spurs 2023-24 season but also the Victor Wembanyama era.
The rookie sensation is set to take the NBA by storm with his versatility on the court.
He can dribble, do fluid movements, shoot the ball, run the floor, block shots, rebounds and so much more. His potential is immense and the hype surrounding him is enormous.
And former Spur Robert Horry believes the Wemby-hype.
Horry was a guest on San Antonio Sports Star's "The Blitz '' and heaped praise on the 19-year-old rookie for his basketball skills.
"The guy is a phenom. Who can block shots for you? Block a three-pointer? Who can cross someone up? Who can play between someone's legs? Who can catch a lob from the free-throw line? Who can play defense and have the excitement and the energy with all the pressure? This guy is a phenom," Horry said. "I'm so excited to watch this season of him and see he can just learn and dominate and keep improving as a player."
But Horry did not stop marveling over Wemby's physical tools. He also focused on his high basketball IQ.
Something he feels that is getting overlooked from the NBA rookie.
"That's the one thing that nobody's been talking about, his IQ for the game. That's what I watch. I watch how he talks to players, actual players, and so far his IQ has been off the charts," said Horry. "He's one of those guys that can think the game, play the game, and more importantly, like you said, get people around him better."
Horry even compared Wembanyama to another Spurs legend: Tim Duncan.
"That's one of the great things that Tim (Duncan) used to do. Tim didn't care if he scored. He just played good defense and wanted everybody around him to be better," he said. "And that's what this guy is doing on a whole different level. It's just amazing how talented the guy is."
Through four preseason games played, Wembanyama averaged 2.8 blocks per game (12.2% block percentage) to lead the team in the preseason. It was good for third-best in the preseason overall. He also grabbed 4.7 rebounds per game and 1.0 steals.
He also recorded 19.3 points per game, shot 51% from the field, and 1.5 assists in 20.9 minutes per game played.
"It's more of a free-flowing game," Horry said. "I think it's just basketball now. It's free-flowing like I said. People can get to the free-throw line. People are able to do things with the basketball you never thought they could do, so I think this plays right into his hand."
Said Horry, "Basically he came along at the right time, not like me. He came along at the right time and this game is free-flowing. He can do a lot of things that don't take a lot of physicality."
The Spurs are expected to make a big leap collectively this new season. With their young core gaining valuable experience last season to Wembanyama's arrival, the team is poised to pile up wins.
"I think they'll win about 35 to 40 games this year," Horry said.
HORRY SHARES HIS LOVE FOR SAN ANTONIO AND SPURS FANS
Horry didn't forget his time in San Antonio.
He told "The Blitz" that he is very fond of the city of San Antonio.
"San Antonio is one of my favorite places ever. Even when I retired, I used to go to San Antonio and stay a couple of times and hang out with some friends of mine," Horry said. "I love San Antonio."
He even calls Spurs fans one of the best fanbases in the league.
"Top eight. If you talk about top fan bases in all of the sports, they got to be in the top 10 of all sports because they're great fans, and they support the Spurs regardless if they win or lose," he said.
Horry played for the Spurs from 2003-08. He helped the team win two NBA titles in 2005 and 2007.
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