SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs will make their annual Rodeo Road Trip, but it will be the first for rookie Victor Wembanyama.
From February 8-25, Wembanyama and the Spurs will be on the road for nine games between Feb. 7-27. The team will play its first game of the trip against Miami on Wednesday night, and the rookie is ready for what is to come.
"I've heard of it, and I've seen it, of course," he said. "Just getting all these away games, and it is going to be special being away for so long."
The long road trip is due to the city's annual Stock Show and Rodeo. The Frost Bank Center and the grounds will be transformed into a concert venue, bull riding, carnival, food stands, and more.
It's a fun time for the city, and Wembanyama sees the Rodeo Road Trip as a fun time for the team to come together and bond on the road.
"Away games aren't necessarily the worst. It's just different because we're having a good time with the group," he said.
Wemabanyama says he and the team have already had fun on the road. He mentions the team going bowling when they visited Detroit, and for him, he takes it as a learning experience.
"You'll see so many cities. It's a learning experience," he said.
But fun aside, he knows there is still a job to do.
The Spurs will face stiff competition on the road, going up against the Heat, Magic, Nets, Raptors, Mavericks, Kings, Lakers, Jazz, and the Timberwolves.
In other words, there isn't time to bellyache about the long time away from San Antonio. A job has to get done.
"At this point, it's part of the job," he said.
Overall, he is aware that the road trip will take some getting used to. He notes his rhythm will need to be adjusted, is aware that it will be hotel life for a month, and can see the schedule adjustment.
"It's different because of the hotel life. It's different. Even though it's harder because you have to focus on these things because we're in different conditions than usual," he said. "So the bed is not the same. Sometimes, it's too stiff, so your back is not used to it. Your sleep is different. So we have to be focused more on recovery."
And he feels the team is ready for it all.
"We're in perfect condition," he said. "It's like a different rhythm. It's not necessarily harder, but you have to focus on different things."