“Going to come and give you the best game of his life defensively” – Gilbert Arenas on why no one will take it easy against Victor Wembanyama
Agent Zero explains why no one will take Wemby lightly.
There’s no denying that Victor Wembanyama is under the watchful eye of the media pundits, being touted as the new face of the league at the age of 19. However, Gilbert Arenas believes Wemby’s unparalleled hype has forced a target on his back, given how the former No. 1 pick was heckled by fans during the Knicks’ 126-105 victory over the Spurs. At the Madison Square Garden, Agent Zero emphasized the necessity for the 7’4 rookie to be at his defensive-best in every game.
“He’s the new face. So you know, people are going to take that challenge to heart. And that’s when he is going to have to realize that every game, you are going to have to come to show your dominance,” Arenas said on ‘Gil’s Arena.’ “Because, every game, you’re playing against everybody’s A plus. No, you’re not going to an arena where the person that’s defending you is giving you a C or B minus. He’s going to come and give you the best game of his life defensively.”
Wemby was dominated by the New York Knicks
The NBA world held high hopes for the Frenchman, considered the second-best prospect since LeBron James, as he stepped foot in the world’s most famous arena. However, the Spurs’ sensation struggled right from the start, managing only two points in the first half and a mere six points through three quarters.
His MSG debut concluded with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two assists on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and an abysmal plus/minus rating of -25. If Wemby’s subpar performance wasn’t enough, Mitchell Robinson even provided a blueprint on how teams should contain the 19-year-old from using his height and wingspan inside the paint.
Moreover, Victor’s struggles, missing his initial seven shots and having two airballs at the time Knicks’ stretched their lead by 30 points, underlined his vulnerability when mounted under pressure. Though Wemby is still a rookie and will obviously take time to deal with consistent heckling and pressure shouldered on his shoulders, he won’t be sparred by his opponents and critics every time he comes up short.
That is why coach Gregg Popovich was the first to defend his franchise cornerstone after a lackluster performance against the Knicks.
“He’s a 19-year-old rookie who just learned about the NBA. Of course, it’s a learning experience,” Pop said. “We’re not putting him in situations until we know where he’s most comfortable and where he reacts the best.”
Victor Wembanyama made his debut for the San Antonio Spurs at the Madison Square Garden but didn't come out with a victory 🇫🇷
After the 19-year-old French rookie went close to a double-double in the loss, Gregg Popovich said "It's a learning experience":https://t.co/rUGaIQj4RR
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 9, 2023
San Antonio Spurs collectively stand behind Wembanyama
While the Spurs are currently on a three-game losing streak, the team’s camaraderie remains intact
Late last night inside Madison Square Garden, Victor Wembanyama's teammates decided not to leave him behind. It was a small but telling show of solidarity, and it helped explain why the Spurs don't worry these blowouts will break them.
Column:https://t.co/NZgmxFXEIq pic.twitter.com/z19L4anDsK
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) November 9, 2023
Given that if one player makes everyone wait, he might fall into unwanted trouble, the San Antonio players didn’t want Victor’s misery to grow after he was heckled by fans in MSG. So, when Wemby was running late to catch the team bus after the Knicks defeated the Spurs in New York because he was bidding goodbye to his mother, his teammates chose not to leave him behind.
