NBA – Wembanyama explains his act of rebellion against Popovich: “I still…

Victor Wembanyama and Gregg PopovichNBA (DR) / Kens 5 (DR)

Limited by the Spurs for a good week now, Victor Wembanyama believes he is fit to play. He made it clear to Gregg Popovich against the Grizzlies, even if his coach did not give in. A little frustrating we imagine.

After a painful ankle in December, Victor Wembanyama is doing much better if his recent performances are anything to go by.

The Frenchman continues with Spurs, even if the medical staff does not agree. Gregg Popovich and company decided to limit the Frenchman with a minutes restriction, as well as a ban on playing both games of a back-to-back.

A frustrating situation for Wemby, who feels perfectly capable of playing 30/35 minutes per game. For his part, Popovich has already told the media that his player is limited to 24 and not one more.

But things changed this Tuesday against the Grizzlies. Unhappy with his playing time, Wembanyama decided to return on his own.

Dissatisfied, Wembanyama forces his return

As journalist Tom Orsborn explains on Twitter, Wemby decided with 1:46 minutes remaining to enter the floor, without authorization from his staff.

A way for him to make it clear that he was able to play to try to win this match. Except that a dunk later, Gregg Popovich immediately brought the person back to the bench.

After lobbying for a few more minutes after exiting w/ 3:07 left, Wemby checked himself in w/ 1:46 left. After he recorded a dunk w/ 1:13 to go, Pop pulled him at the 1:10 mark. "I wasn't allowed to sub in, but I still did it, and the coach sent me out right after," Victor said.

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 3, 2024

After lobbying for a few extra minutes after going out with 3:07 remaining, Wemby came in on his own with 1:46. After his dunk at 1:13, Pop knocked him out at 1:10. “I wasn’t allowed to go back, but I did it anyway, and the coach sent me back straight away. »

A way for Wembanyama to make it clear that he wants to play, since he feels good and victory was not very far away against the Grizzlies.

Frustrating, but the player maintained he respected Spurs’ decision. Be careful not to mess with Gregg Popovich in the future.

Eager to play, Victor Wembanyama entered the court on his own, to show that he was fit and in good health.

But Gregg Popovich didn’t want to hear anything. A subject that is still so sensitive in Texas when we see this match.