Kofi Inkoom
San Antonio Spurs’ highly touted rookie, Victor Wembanyama, is set to make his mark in the 2023-24 NBA season, but he won’t be doing it from the center position. Despite his towering 7-foot-4 frame, Wembanyama is expected to start his NBA career as a power forward.
The decision to play him at the four position is a strategic move by the Spurs, aiming to utilize his versatile skills and athleticism.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania said, “Wembanyama’s a player that’s going to have generational ability in the league.” He also mentioned that the Spurs are looking at Zach Collins to provide size in the frontcourt alongside Wembanyama.
REPORT: The Spurs plan to have Victor Wembanyama as their starting power forward, not center, per @ShamsCharania https://twitter.com/Stadium/status/1699848758068944962/video/1
— http://NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) September 11, 2023
The 19-year-old rookie, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, comes with high expectations.
Hailing from the French team Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama displayed an impressive stat line in his previous season, averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game.
Wembanyama has already drawn comparisons to basketball icons like Anthony Davis and LeBron James due to his extraordinary talents.
This season, fans can anticipate seeing him in a power forward role, possibly paired with Zach Collins at center. Collins, who played 63 games last season, averaged 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
The Spurs also have a roster with experienced centers, including Gorgui Dieng, Khem Birch, and Charles Bassey, offering depth in the frontcourt.
Spurs fans can look forward to witnessing Wembanyama’s debut as he takes the court for the preseason game against the Miami Heat on October 13th at 7 p.m.