Last month, Stephen A. Smith claimed in his podcast that San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama "is here." As per him, Wemby could secure the MVP and the Defensive player of the year award this season.
Wembanyama's great start since making a comeback this season from a blood clot that cut his 2024-25 campaign short dazzled the "First Take" host.
Although Wemby impressed Smith, the veteran sports TV star saw limitations in what the lanky 7-foot-5 star could do. Smith told host Lonzo Ball on Tuesday, via the "Ball in The Family" podcast, what would happen to Wemby during Michael Jordan's time:
“Want me to tell you what would happen to him? What happened to him last year? [Blood clots] would happen to him back in the day. You had cats who had a license to assault you.”
Stephen A. Smith labeled Wembanyama "special" in his late October podcast. Smith focused on Frenchman's appearance, mobility and ball-handling that make him a nightmare to defenders.
Spurs want to err with caution after Victor Wembanyama's left calf strain
Victor Wembanyama last played on Friday during the San Antonio Spurs' 109-108 defeat against the Golden State Warriors. After a collision with Brandin Podziemski, the Spurs announced a day later that Wembley is facing a left calf strain. The star center will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.
Despite the report, Wembanyama was present in the practice doing ball-handling work on the sidelines. Spurs insider Michael C. Wright reported on Tuesday about the Spurs' stance on a possible return date for Wemby:
"He looked great. You saw no discomfort, no limp, not even a wrap or a sleeve on that injured calf. But a team source told me that Victor Wembanyama feels just fine, but the plan is to sit him out for at least 2 weeks.”
Playing with the calf strains has been brutal for players over the past few seasons. Kevin Durant, Tyrese who picked up devastating injuries after playing with calf injuries.
The Spurs wanted to avoid that situation by shelving Wembanyama until the franchise cornerstone is 100% ready.