San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama questions commitment of some NBA stars

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/16/24

Victor Wembanyama is gearing up for his sophomore season in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs star lived up to the immense hype surrounding his rookie season, flashing generational upside on both sides of the floor.

Gregg Popovich is the ideal coach to help bring out the best in Wembanyama. He will ensure the French phenom remains committed to putting in the work that becoming an all-time great requires.

However, while Wembanyama has been grinding away at improving his game, developing his body and becoming accustomed to the NBA lifestyle, he hasn't been impressed by some other players around the league.

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, which was posted to YouTube on Tuesday, Wembanyama noted how not every NBA player deserves the recognition that comes with being in the NBA. He was asked about anything that surprised him during his rookie season and discussed getting a closer look at his fellow NBA players.

"Both in a good and bad way, it's how truly the best of the game are," Wembanyama said. "How, in a good way, some of them are really impressive and inspiring in the way they approach the game every night. But others that I used to like, and now I'm just like, 'Nah, I'm not sure that they deserve it.' Like, they don't seem like they put as much work [in] as I thought."

Wembanyama was smart to keep things general. By not calling out anyone by name, he isn't putting himself in the firing line or generating bad press around his name. Instead, he's providing a generalized observation that no one will hold against him.

His comments should also encourage Spurs fans, as they indicate that he's committed to working hard for the organization and potentially becoming an NBA legend. Of course, that means he must continue to be a shining example of hard work and dedication.

Wembanyama has all the tools to become the next face of the NBA. The fact he's already taking note of who works hard and who doesn't means he's doing his homework. That could help him have an enormous impact throughout his second season.

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