Even before Victor Wembanyama played his first game for the San Antonio Spurs, the expectations were sky-high. Much like LeBron James, the only way Wembanyama could have a “successful” career is if he finished firmly in GOAT talks.
The best way to cement a legacy? Win more rings than anyone else. The NBA hasn’t had a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. There hasn’t even been a repeat conference champion since 2019.
The league is more well-balanced than ever. Adam Silver’s second apron and salary cap have made sure that teams can’t horde talent. The proof is in the parity.
The NBA never thought that a player of Wembanyama’s caliber would leave up to $50 million on the table. He did, all in the name of team success.
How Victor Wembanyama Can Change NBA History
With the second apron looming, the most teams can do is sign three elite players to maximum contracts. They then fill in the gaps with a collection of low-level role players. The Phoenix Suns did it with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. The “Big Three” model, by and large, is dead.
The Spurs could be the exception to the rule.
After Wembanyama took his pay cut, the Spurs should have ample cap room to extend Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper when the time comes. If they trade De’Aaron Fox, they’ll have even more financial flexibility.
Imagine, for a second, a trio of Wemby, Harper, and Castle, all in their primes. If the other two youngsters follow Wembanyama’s example, then the Spurs will have plenty of money left over to surround them with high-level talent, instead of whoever is left over.
It means the rest of the NBA is in trouble.
“I don’t think it’s a good precedent to be set, and it’s a bad expectation to have of the players,” said Domonique Foxworth, who was the president of the NFL Players’ Union and worked with the NBPA.
“I don’t think people appreciate that it’s probably bad for the league and for the fans going forward. In basketball, you don’t want the great dynasty split up as a result of some salary cap maneuvering. You want those teams to stay together. I want to watch Wemby, Castle, and Harper grow into a legendary threesome that wins championships and is compared to other teams. This is bad for us when the history of the league is going to be determined by which player is willing to give back more money, not which player is the best and has the most impact on the game. So that’s the concerning part.”
If Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper all take slight pay cuts, it seems reasonable to assume that the Spurs will win multiple titles.
When up-and-coming teams like the Jazz and Mavericks have to pay their young stars, will they be willing to leave money on the table? It might be the only way to compete.
By taking a pay cut, not only did Wembanyama allow his team to get better. He also made sure that his rivals would know exactly how to catch up to San Antonio. Is it worth losing out on a supermax contract? For players serious about winning, it certainly is.
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