If there’s one man who could prevent the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder from having an extended “super” dynasty, it’s Victor Wembanyama. That is not meant as disrespect to someone like Nikola Jokić. But as he turns 31 years old this February, he, a resurgent Jamal Murray, and the rest of the Denver Nuggets will realistically only duel with the Thunder for the NBA’s crown for a few more years. They’re a worthy adversary, but they won’t be a roadblock the Thunder will have to overcome indefinitely.
It’s different with Wembanyama. I don’t just say that because he won’t even be “feeling 22” until this January. I say it because his ceiling as a potential all-time talent — a 7-foot-4 basketball demon who shoots well from the 3-point line at volume and who could be the best rim protector ever at the same time — feels so untapped. I say it because we’re likely only still scratching the surface of what Wembanyama can be at his absolute best. (Also, he might literally still be growing: height-wise, I mean.) The same sentiment applies to his burgeoning, upstart San Antonio Spurs, who are quickly learning how to win while building a culture that can last.
Oh, and Wembanyama very obviously detests the Thunder. Did I mention that? We can’t lose sight of the likely future face of the league having an open contempt for the machine-like juggernaut team that is probably also just getting started on its own run. How fun is that?
Let me explain.
After Wembanyama’s Spurs dispatched the Thunder in Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal, I couldn’t help but notice a comment he made about the Spurs’ style of play. If I didn’t know any better, by comparison, it sure sounded like an unsubtle shot at the Thunder’s reputation for “foul-baiting” in a moment where Wembanyama was feeling pretty triumphant.
“I’m just glad to be part of something that’s growing to be so beautiful — pure and ethical basketball,” said Wembanyama.
First of all, I’m not necessarily a fan of Wembanyama using the word “ethical” in this context. It’s apparent he spends a bit too much time dwelling in the online doldrums of NBA social media with regular folks like us (well, somewhat regular) by using that word like this. Which, I guess, hey, if that’s how a basketball superstar wants to spend his free time, then more power to him.
But let’s make no bones about it.
Wembanyama definitely meant that he appreciates his rising Spurs not playing like the Thunder, who some feel brazenly sell out for contact to get to the charity stripe while getting free rein to bully the opposition into submission on the defensive end. And he definitely wanted to say this in public, at a microphone with the cameras rolling, after his team upended the Thunder because he wanted to take a swipe at a rival team he knows he’ll likely be seeing in big games for a long time.
To be sure, this sort of comment is something you usually reserve for your own locker room. It’s classic bulletin-board material that gives talented professional athletes additional motivation they don’t need. But Wembanyama doesn’t want to operate that way with the Thunder. They aren’t an average, run-of-the-mill NBA team. The only way to treat and beat a dominant squad that usually breaks opponents on a mental level is to openly show them that:
1. You don’t respect them.
2. You’re not afraid of them.
3. You actively hate them.
When it comes to these Thunder, Wembanyama checks every box, and with great confidence, too.
To all of this open Wembanyama animosity with Oklahoma City, I say: YES. Give me more! Give me all the pettiness and venom between a special player and a special rival opponent. Next time the Thunder and Spurs meet, I want to see the Thunder show some open spiciness toward the gifted Frenchman. Keep this coming, please!!!
The Thunder are sometimes going to feel inevitable and insurmountable for years to come. But not if Wembanyama has anything to say about it. And believe me, he’s going to have something to say about it.
Shootaround
This was Layup Lines, For the Win’s basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
