Tonight, 2023 NBA Draft pick Victor Wimbanyama will make his first start for the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs will face the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-24 season opener.
Wimbanyama will make his NBA debut in the first game. The French center will start alongside Jeremy Sohan, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins. The game will begin at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio and stream live on NBA League Pass.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said the team will field a bigger lineup for the game. Sohan will likely be the starting point guard, something fans have been waiting for.
“They better play well or we’re in trouble. They’re the big men on the team. They’re tall, they’re big, they’re going to start.” Popovic said.
Wimbanyama’s debut is highly anticipated as he has been one of the best young players in recent years. Additionally, the Spurs have been searching for a star player, which they have been looking for since trading away Kohwai Leonard in 2018.
Victor Wambanyama wants to play all 82 games this season
Load management has become the norm in the league due to Popovich’s habit of rotating starters. These days, most star players prefer to sit on the bench to regain their strength rather than take the court. However, Victor Wimbanyama sees his first season in a different light.
Wimbanyama would like to play in all 82 games this season. While that’s not completely impossible, it’s a difficult task to accomplish in the modern NBA.
“Every game. If my health is not excessively risky – and of course I can’t predict the future – but I want to play every game.” Win Banyama said.
However, he may not be able to achieve that goal as Popovich may sit him for some games to make sure his body is well rested. Wambanyama is the biggest investment the Spurs have made since Tim Duncan, so they will do whatever it takes to protect him.
Wimbanyama is also a strong contender for Rookie of the Season. Chet Holmgren and Scott Henderson will also be vying for that honor, so it won’t be easy.