SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama is well on his way to becoming the face of the NBA.
After a dominant rookie season in which he was named the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, averaging 21.4 points and leading the NBA in blocks, the odds are high that he'll add 'NBA champion' to his resume.
But 'when' remains an open question.
During an interview on the Club 520 podcast, former NBA guard Jeff Teague was asked when Wemby could hold the Larry O'Brien trophy.
“I ain’t gonna hold you, he’s going to. He got about year 7-8," said Teague.
Considering the Spurs are still in the rebuilding phase, it is a safe bet that they will be competing for titles in the near future.
However, this is all a process that will take seasons to accomplish.
A title-winning team requires smart drafting, tinkering with the roster, free agency, trades, player injuries and so much more. Even then, it is still unknown if all that work will ultimately pay off in a title.
The Spurs are on that path.
They drafted Wemby and Stephon Castle, brought in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, and are developing young talents such as Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan while maintaining financial cap flexibility.
However, despite making roster moves, Teague aimed at the Spurs' current roster around Wemby, calling it "weak."
“Man, that surrounding cast, boy that [expletive] weak," he said.
He did not stop there. He proceeded to downplay the Spurs signing Paul, saying the only reason CP3 is in San Antonio is because of playing time. Nothing more and nothing less.
“Who they got over there? CP only went there [because] he said he wanted to play," he said. "Their roster is [expletive]."
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And if that wasn't enough, Teague blasted the city of San Antonio.
The former NBA player dissed the Alamo City when discussing San Antonio as a destination for players.
"They're going to have to get a great trade. I don't even know who will be available at that time. Don’t nobody wanna go to San Antonio," he said. "Pop [Gregg Popovich] is old."
Teague did not completely blast the Spurs.
He did say he believes the Spurs will make the postseason and calls Wemby a legit MVP candidate.
Again, the Spurs are well-positioned with cap space and a budding star to bring in NBA stars.
Wemby alone is an attractive draw (and may help recruit players to the franchise) and, more importantly, the team is rich in assets to make a big trade.
They have many draft picks (first and second round) and players they could flip to get trades done if it means propelling the franchise and Wemby to a title.
Historically, it is rare for big-name free agents in their primes to come to San Antonio. LaMarcus Aldridge is the only one.
But that could change with Wemby on the roster, the new Victory Capital Performance Center and a possible new arena being discussed in downtown San Antonio that could revitalize the city.
And San Antonio is not a bad spot for free agents. The food, culture, sights, and more make the city come alive.
Teague should visit San Antonio more often and give the Spurs some time to put together a championship-worthy roster.
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