On paper, the connection between Victor Wembanyama and Spurs is obvious.
On the one hand, we have a player who grew up admiring the Texan franchise; on the other, the latter is renowned for its development of international players like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
Seeing the pivot land at the Éperons via the first choice in the 2023 draft was therefore practically obvious.
We will also note the parallel with the 1997 draft, when Gregg Popovich’s men were coming out of a disastrous season.
They then picked up Tim Duncan… and everyone knows the rest. Faced with such an accumulation, some seriously wonder if all this had not been a set-up on the part of the NBA.
Renowned analyst at ESPN , Brian Windhorst, however, refuted this based on the 2019 draft:
No rigging in the 2023 draft according to Brian Windhorst
Brian Windhorst : Lots of conspiracy theories died in one night.
The night the Knicks and Lakers were in the Top 4 (of the draft) while Zion Williamson and Ja Morant were in the lottery.
The Pelicans and Grizzlies had picks No. 1 and 2 and everyone knew those two players would be first.
After that, it is no longer possible to talk about lottery rigging.
Marc J. Spears : And what about the Spurs and their first pick? They made sure Wemby finished in the right franchise. What other options would he have had? Charlotte?
Brian Windhorst : The NBA has better things to do than rig it so that one of the three smallest markets in the league gets the best player in the crop, I’m sorry.
We know that the lottery has been subject to rumors of manipulation since its creation.
We think in particular of Pat Ewing’s arrival at the Knicks in 1985 and a dark story of a cold envelope… But in recent years, the big guns have rarely been so lucky, 2019 being the best example according to Windy.
However, it will take much more to convince Internet users who remain skeptical.
Wemby was handed to pop and SA everyone knows this 🤣✌️
— STΞY (@_CBLOC_) February 28, 2024
Wemby was offered to Pop and SA, everyone knows that🤣
Whether there was fixing or not, it is clear that Victor Wembanyama probably found himself in the best possible environment at Spurs. The latter do not win many matches, but they have serious management and experience with international players. Not every franchise can boast of this.
News
VIDEO: Caitlin Clark Got Embarrassed In The Weight Room After Joining Her Fever Teammates For Their Workout Grind
Caitlin Clark (Photos via @YahooSports/X) Caitlin Clark recently had some difficulty with a certain exercise in the weight room, and it was caught on camera. Clark is having a great rookie season with the Indiana Fever on a personal front but could…
Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend is catching heat for his performance at competition with her teammates
Many said he was not taking it seriously while other thought that was his true self X: @StrollerAdam It was an off day for the Indiana Fever on Sunday and the players decided to spend it having fun with a competitive game…
Video: Caitlin Clark Plays Pickleball vs. Fever Teammates Erica Wheeler, Lexie Hull
Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark took to the pickleball court on Sunday alongside her peers. Clark joined Fever teammates Erica Wheeler and Lexie Hull in a series of pickleball matches on Sunday. The three WNBA…
Weeks After Caitlin Clark Incident, Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese Might Fall in Bad Books of Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike’s Faithful
The Chicago Sky’s playing style is relentless. However, on more than one occasion, the WNBA world has seen their passions get the better of them. It is holding especially true for the Barbie-Chen duo of the team: Angel Reese and…
VIDEO: New York Liberty All-Star Sabrina Ionescu Takes Big-Time Shot At Caitlin Clark After Stunning Loss To Her Indiana Fever
Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark (Photos via @SNYLiberty & Getty Images) New York Liberty All-Star Sabrina Ionescu took a big-time shot at Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever following Saturday’s stunning defeat. Despite a strong performance from Sabrina Ionescu (22 points, three rebounds and…
Caitlin Clark exposed by her teammate during Indiana Fever’s press conference praising her humbleness
Caitlin opened up after making history Caitlin ClarkAP Caitlin Clark continues to amaze in the early stages of her professional career, earning the respect of sports experts. This year’s WNBA rookies are exceptional, drawing more fans to women’s sports. A lot of this excitement comes from the outstanding performance of the Indiana…
End of content
No more pages to load