Wembanyama entered the season as one of the most touted prospects in NBA history. While he acknowledges the hype, he knows it can only get him so far.
“Prospect is something that’s about to become real, it doesn’t matter really. I’m trying to become the best in the league right now” Wembanyama said.
With his size and skillset, the pressure has been on Wembanyama every step of the way. He’s been compared to the likes of the NBA’s best since a young age. However, it’s the mental side of things that sets Wembanyama apart.
“You don’t do nothing with that body if you don’t have the right mind”, Wembanyama said.
After leading all rookies in points (21.4), rebounds (10.6), and blocks (3.6) during his debut season, Wembanyama collected Kia NBA Rookie of the Year honors on Monday. He credits his relationship with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich as a component of his success.
“He’s the one person in the world who can give the best basketball advice,” Wembanyama said.
A five-time champion and the Spurs’ coach for over 28 seasons, Popovich has provided invaluable experience for Wembanyama.
“He gets it. He’s not intimidated by anything and he knows he needs to do work … he’s been lauded for a long time, this attention didn’t just happen to him,” Popovich said.
“He realizes that’s all a fantasy and what matters is him becoming the best player he can be. That’s called character.”
Wembanyama is just scratching the surface of his potential, propelled by his mindset to keep improving daily.
“I’ve learned more in the past three months than I have in my whole basketball life before,” he said.
The first seven episodes of the second season of Pass The Rock focused on Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton , New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren.