Victor Wembanyama, who has solidified himself as one of the best players in the league over the last three years, just pulled back the curtain on the biggest lesson he learned from coaching legend Gregg Popovich. Since arriving in 2023, Wemby has quickly developed star qualities, helping transform the San Antonio Spurs from a team on the outside looking in to a legitimate championship contender. While Wemby absolutely deserves the credit for his on-court dominance, he’s quick to point to the behind-the-scenes work, especially from Pop.
Popovich’s Enduring Impact on Wemby and the Spurs
Popovich, a true mastermind who orchestrated the Spurs’ dynasty from the 1990s all the way through the late 2010s, is one of the most influential figures in NBA history. He and Tim Duncan famously built a partnership that snagged five championships. Even after players like Duncan and Tony Parker retired, Popovich remained the head honcho. That changed when health problems pushed him into a front office role, but he still managed to help develop a megastar like Wembanyama on his way out of the head coach job. Wemby himself has made it clear he’s glad to have worked with Pop. Pop still impacts him and the rest of the Spurs to this day, and Wemby specifically credits the five-time champion coach for helping him adjust to the NBA.
The Mindset Shift That Fueled a Contender
So, what was the game-changing advice? Wembanyama revealed it on 60 Minutes: “He often said something when we were in film: after a win, you’re rarely as good as you thought you were, and after a loss, you’re rarely as bad as you thought you were.” Think about that. That’s a huge lesson in staying grounded, no matter the outcome. It’s about maintaining perspective, avoiding complacency after a win, and not getting too down after a loss. It’s a mindset that likely fueled Wemby’s rapid development and the team’s climb to contender status. As long as Popovich remains with the Spurs in his current role, his influence is going to be felt. Everyone, including Wemby, consistently raves about his impact behind the scenes, ensuring he’ll continue to shape the next generation of Spurs basketball.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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