With their selection of Victor Wembanyama with the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs secured their franchise centerpiece. The 19-year-old French superstar is one of the most hyped-up prospects in the history of basketball and was the ultimate prize of the draft this summer. And the Spurs came out on top.
The upside of Wembanyama is monumental. With his height and overall skillset, Wembanyama has a chance to be one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA, and his offensive arsenal is just as impressive. His ball-handling, shooting, and size will allow him to play a bunch of different roles for the Spurs on offense.
But as the Spurs look to develop Wembanyama, his health will be a crucial storyline to watch. Jeff Garcia of the Locked On Spurs podcast recently welcomed Dr. Ryan McCorkle to the show, and they discussed Wembanyama’s health and how important his flexibility will be in that regard.
Standing at 7-foot-3, or 7-foot-5, according to some, Wembanyama will inherently be at risk for injuries. Some of the best big men in the league were unable to have long careers because of health issues in relation to their height, with Yao Ming being the perfect example.
As the Spurs look to push forward and build around Wembanyama, keeping him as healthy as possible will be a key goal. If he can’t stay on the court, then his talent won’t matter.
Keep a close eye on how the Spurs manage Wembanyama during his rookie year and beyond.
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