As the San Antonio Spurs continue to build around Victor Wembanyama, everyone on the roster has one job: make Wemby as good as possible.
That’s why they signed Chris Paul to a one-year deal, why they traded for De’Aaron Fox, and why they slightly overpaid Luke Kornet. Every move they’ve made since 2023 has been to maximize their superstar. In fact, every move they made before 2023 was to make him as great as possible.
By adding Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs have no shortage of playmakers who can put Wemby in a position to succeed. The Spurs have long been one of the NBA’s most selfless teams. Putting the “we” before the “me” is a must for any player on the team, and the current roster embodies that rather well.
However, Wembanyama’s most selfless teammate has never played for San Antonio.
Rudy Gobert Is the Perfect Teammate for Victor Wembanyama
Rudy Gobert is one of the most underrated players in NBA history. He’s a three-time All-Star, held back thanks to a very limited offensive game, but he’s one of the best defenders the league has ever seen.
Since Wembanyama was 16 years old, Gobert has been a mentor of his. In recent seasons, Wemby has taken over as both the best defender in the NBA and the best French player, although the veteran has taken it in stride.
He’s been willing–if not downright eager–to take a back seat and let Wemby thrive. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gobert got benched by head coach Vincent Collet to make room for Wemby, but he took the demotion well, calling it a “good decision.”
The respect, it seems, goes both ways.
“I hope to share the court with him for a long time, for years,” Wembanyama told L’Equipe. “It’s good. It’s a step forward. We’re working.”
Gobert will be 36 years old for the next Olympics, but it might be his best chance to win gold. French basketball is undergoing a bit of a youth movement, with Wembanyama leading the way. Gobert, Evan Fournier, and Guerschon Yabusele are the elder statesmen and are happy to see the youngsters take over.
“I’ve watched him a lot,” Gobert said of Wemby. “I’ve watched him evolve.
I’ve watched him, the way he works, the way he takes care of himself. His thirst for knowledge.”
There aren’t many all-time greats still in their prime who would step aside and let a young player take their role, but Gobert has been nothing but gracious. While the Spurs have surrounded Wembanyama with guys who will help him succeed, his best teammate has never been on his NBA team.
Leave a Reply