NBA fans are not happy with ESPN’s coverage of Victor Wembanyama, the rookie sensation who is dominating the league with his unprecedented skills and size. The 20-year-old French center, who was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023, is averaging 20.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game. However, despite his individual brilliance, the Spurs are struggling to win games, as they are currently last in the Western Conference with a 13-49 record.
This has led ESPN’s NBA studio panel to speculate that Wembanyama might not be happy with the Spurs’ rebuilding process and that he might seek a trade to a more competitive team in the future. On Monday, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said:
“Victor is here and he wants to win… I don’t know how patient he’s going to be (with the Spurs)… I don’t think he wants to sit here at the bottom of the lottery standings.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne: “Victor is here and he wants to win… I don’t know how patient he’s going to be (with the #Spurs)… I don’t think he wants to sit here at the bottom of the lottery standings.” #PorVida #Wemby #Wembanyama #NBA pic.twitter.com/CXKXjFJAaL
— Dusty Garza (@Dgarza888) March 5, 2024
However, NBA fans have criticized ESPN for trying to create unnecessary drama and tension between Wembanyama and the Spurs, when there is no evidence to suggest that the young star is unhappy or impatient with his situation.
Fans have pointed out that Wembanyama has repeatedly expressed his loyalty and gratitude to the Spurs, who have given him the opportunity to play in the NBA and develop his game under the guidance of legendary coach Gregg Popovich. Fans have also noted that Wembanyama is well aware of the Spurs’ long-term vision and that he is willing to endure some losing seasons in order to build a championship contender around him.
Sport Media come up with different ways to discuss young, talented stars without trying to create scenarios where they leave to go to big city teams Challenge
(Difficulty: IMPOSSIBLE) https://t.co/BV13DBqO8u
— Muhammad Alinked-in (@PBSImpulse9) March 5, 2024
When a young star is not on the Lakers https://t.co/IPFuJAtylu pic.twitter.com/mUsUbuR1kn
— Neutral Milk Tea Hotel (@james_art_do) March 5, 2024
The Spurs made the playoffs 22 years in a row from 1998 to 2019 and won five chips during that period.
What are we even doing here? https://t.co/ETxAK6hnMz
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) March 5, 2024
This is impressive honestly. ESPN wasted zero time with Wemby. Didnt even give the Spurs a year before pushing this narrative lol https://t.co/JrBvakWB07
— KDG (@Official414) March 5, 2024
It’s literally March 5 of his rookie year and they’re trying to get Wemby out of San Antonio. I hate it here. https://t.co/XyHp340XsF
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) March 5, 2024
The media is creating this narrative so they can conveniently say he wants to go to a large market like LA. It’s ridiculous and annoying. https://t.co/MnkVgOST3E
— ɢᴀʙʀɪᴇʟ (@JeeVee84) March 5, 2024
insanity we’re doing this already. we’re 5-6 years away from Wemby’s “patience” even mattering. no one turns down the first supermax.
sure, if the Spurs can’t build a winner around him by 2030 he’s probably gone. but GOOD LORD can we just not with this? https://t.co/QDkucOpdDJ
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) March 5, 2024
My nearly 40 year old dude take: fans don’t know it, but they miss the days when 8ish guys constituted a team for 5+ Seasons. This is what allows for connections to be made. For ESPN sometimes, a player only exists as a future disgruntled transaction https://t.co/FhYVDvYnZm
— JacobJBG (@jacobjbg) March 5, 2024
Mike Finger, a reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, also defended Wembanyama’s attitude and patience, saying:
“I talk to people about the Spurs every day. And of all those people, there is one who is, by far, the most forward-thinking and relentlessly patient when it comes to the plan. It’s the 20-year-old kid. And it’s not close.”
I say this without an ounce of exaggeration or hyperbole: I talk to people about the Spurs every day. And of all those people, there is one who is, by far, the most forward-thinking and relentlessly patient when it comes to the plan.
It’s the 20-year-old kid. And it’s not close. https://t.co/v37eBRKGrT
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) March 5, 2024
It seems that ESPN is trying to stir up controversy and generate clicks by suggesting that Wembanyama might leave the Spurs, when in reality, he is happy and committed to the team that drafted him.
NBA fans are hoping that ESPN will focus more on Wembanyama’s incredible talent and potential, rather than on fabricated rumors and drama. Wembanyama is a once-in-a-generation player who deserves better coverage and respect from the media.
