The San Antonio Spurs still have a full day off before they host the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the first round on Sunday, but all eyes are focused on the postseason.
San Antonio hasn't been in the playoffs since 2019, and they were expected to barely sneak in this season. Instead, they dominated the NBA, finishing second in the Western Conference.
Still, there's a glaring lack of postseason experience on the roster, and that inexperience is by far their biggest weakness. Luckily, they have a very rich history to pull from, and Victor Wembanyama is excited to get into the weeds.
Victor Wembanyama Points to Spurs' Past
The Spurs are well-known as one of the tightest-knit groups in the entire league, with franchise legends still living in San Antonio.
Gregg Popovich, of course, has been an active figure in helping guide the Spurs through the season, even if he's no longer calling the shots.
"Coach Pop always gives his advice, for sure," Wembanyama revealed. "I want to talk with the players, though. I haven't talked to them yet, but yeah. I'm hungry for knowledge, but also, there's so much going on, and we also have our own identity as this team."
The Spurs of the past were known for the "Beautiful Game." This season's squad moves the ball just as well, but is a little more high-flying and fast-paced, shedding the idea that the Spurs' basketball is "boring."
"Everybody's a little more locked in," he added. "Everybody's a little more involved."
The Spurs, for most of Wembanyama's life, haven't been a top-tier NBA team, but he loves the idea of being the one to drag them back to contention. So far, he and the team are well ahead of schedule, and he's trying to rekindle the glory days with his own flair.
"Some of my earliest NBA memories are the finals between Miami and San Antonio," he said. "So yeah, I do have very good Spurs playoff memories."
Wembanyama was ten years old when the Spurs last won the Finals, and he entered the league expected to bring about a second dynasty. So far, the pressure hasn't gotten to him.