Spurs' Coach Popovich Dismisses Concern Over Victor Wembanyama Hype; Jokes with Warriors' Kerr

Victor Wembanyama, dubbed the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James and No. 1 NBA draft pick, impresses during preseason games and receives confidence from Coach Popovich for handling the pressure.

• San Antonio Spurs' head coach, Gregg Popovich, expressed confidence in rookie player Victor Wembanyama. Popovich emphasized that Wembanyama handled the hype around him very well, and he was no longer concerned about the pressure getting to the young player.
• In four preseason games, 7'4" tall Wembanyama averaged 19.3 points on 50.9 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 20.9 minutes per contest, demonstrating his potential value to the Spurs.
• Wembanyama, who was the No. 1 pick in the NBA's 2023 draft lottery, has been a much-needed boost for the Spurs, whose performance has been lacking since their trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in 2018.
• Mirth was added to the conversation around Wembanyama when Warriors' coach Steve Kerr joked about Popovich being 'rejuvenated' by the French rookie's arrival. Popovich responded with a good-natured quip, calling Kerr an 'a--hole.'
• Wembanyama expressed appreciation for Popovich's guidance, praising the coach's ability to understand him quickly. The rookie aims to break convention and expectations in his career.

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