Victor Wembanyama is the most game-breaking player in the NBA, and other guys are lining up to be his teammates, but there's a hidden downside to playing on the San Antonio Spurs.
Everybody wants to be on the San Antonio Spurs. Playing next to Victor Wembanyama is a dream gig. He's already one of the best players in the NBA, and his talents complement nearly every playstyle.
Recently, when guys like De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo found themselves in trade rumors, San Antonio was listed as an ideal landing spot. Big-name veterans like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have also been linked to the Spurs.
Rather than chasing big names (Fox being the exception), the Spurs have built on savvy signings and quality draft picks. Of course, everyone who arrives in San Antonio understands that it's Wembanyama's team. Everyone is on board with that, but it comes with a hidden downside.
Pros and Cons of Playing With Victor Wembanyama
If it weren't for Wembanyama's dominance, guys like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper would not have gotten NBA Finals experience as early in their careers as they did.
Wembanyama's mind-boggling shooting in his 7-4 frame helps cover up both young guards' weaknesses as floor-spacers, and his defensive dominance allows Castle to play into his strengths.
On most teams, an oversized guard who can defend five positions would be the best defensive player on the roster. On the Spurs, Castle plays second fiddle, which allows him to take some risks. Wemby being behind him is the ultimate insurance.
"It's like going into the alley with your big brother behind you," prefaced The Athletic's Marcus Thompson. "You're a little extra tough. You know what I'm saying? And Steph Castle was already built that way. He's already like what you want to do. Now he's got big bro behind him. He's extra spicy."
Now, that's all well and good, but it comes with a downside. This season, Castle did not make the All-Defensive team despite being the second-best defender on the third-best defense. He has the versatility and skill set for individual accolades, but they haven't come.
There's a chance that they won't.
While Castle is an elite defender, any team success is given to Wembanyama. That means, despite his reputation, Castle will go down as an underrated defender. Of course, the sting of being passed up can easily be numbed with championships.
Pros and cons!
