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San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama has faced no shortage of scrutiny during his NBA journey, with critics zeroing in on his slender frame and sporadic availability. But Spurs legend Boris Diaw, a fellow Frenchman and former NBA champion, has leaped to the defense of the 7’4” phenom, dismissing concerns about his physique and backing his unique trajectory to greatness.
As Wembanyama navigates injuries and adapts to the league’s physicality, Diaw insists the young star’s potential remains unparalleled—and his current path the right one.
Boris Diaw dismisses calls for Victor Wembanyama to bulk up
Despite Wembanyama’s occasional struggles against bulkier opponents, Diaw vehemently opposes the narrative that the 21-year-old needs to prioritize adding muscle.
“He’s skinny, but he’s strong. It’s the same kind of build as Kevin Durant,” Diaw argued on the Legends of Sport podcast. “You see him falling and getting back up right away, pushing people around. I wouldn’t worry about that.”
Diaw, who played against giants like Shaquille O’Neal during his career, emphasized Victor Wembanyama’s rare blend of skills: a center’s rim protection paired with guard-like ball-handling and three-point range.
“He’s the player with the most potential we’ve ever seen,” Diaw declared, comparing him to a “melting pot” of NBA legends.
The weight debate
Analysts and fans have clamored for Wembanyama to transform into a traditional paint dominator, but Diaw and the Spurs rookie’s camp disagree. Agent Bouna Ndiaye, who also represents Rudy Gobert, cautioned against rushed physical transformations:
“Forcing weight gain too quickly would make him injury-prone. The focus should be on natural growth.”
Ndiaye revealed a tailored regimen designed to fortify Victor Wembanyama’s body sustainably, focusing on longevity over short-term bulk.
“We’ve worked specifically on his feet and frame for three years to enhance durability,” he explained.
Wembanyama’s Vision: Redefining greatness
While fans fantasize about him morphing into a Shaq-like force, Wembanyama has his own blueprint. “I don’t see myself becoming a really, really big guy,” he stated, prioritizing versatility over pure power. His rookie season—a showcase of defensive instincts, perimeter shooting, and playmaking—hints at a future where he transcends positional labels.
Injury concerns vs. long-term strategy
Wembanyama’s sporadic absences have sparked anxiety, but the Spurs’ cautious approach aligns with Diaw’s philosophy. “His dexterity at that size doesn’t even make sense,” Diaw said, arguing that preserving his unique attributes matters more than conforming to conventional expectations.
With a Rookie of the Year award already in hand, Victor Wembanyama’s next challenge is proving his durability and refining his game. The Spurs’ investment in his customized development plan suggests they’re playing the long game, betting on his evolution into a once-in-a-generation talent.
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