Why Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama finds Celtics so ‘inspiring’

The Boston Celtics are the envy of most teams in the league with their NBA-best 26-6 record and six straight victories to end 2023. Add the San Antonio Spurs to that list, although admiration might take precedence over goal for the proud Silver and Black team.

“They’ve got the execution and are getting better all the time,” remarked Gregg Popovich, referring to them as having “All-Star talent” and “grit.” I would characterise the Celtics as a tough task at this specific juncture for our group.

Victor Wembanyama, the top player in his group, was likewise full of opinions on a team that had made it to the conference finals five out of the previous seven years and had advanced to the Finals two seasons prior.

“Just by seeing them, I get the impression that they have more this year than in previous years. Naturally, playing against them is challenging and enjoyable. I believe we gained knowledge. After the Spurs’ 134-101 defeat on New Year’s Eve, Victor Wembanyama praised the Celtics for their “very few mistakes” and remarked that they were an inspiration.

Even though the Celtics have a number of elite players on their roster, one in particular appeals to the team that selected first overall in the June of last year.

Admiring Kristaps Porzingis, Wemby
He is skilled and aware of how to use his body. Wemby remarked of Kristaps Porzingis, “He’s someone who’s been very interesting to me for years and it’s good to finally be able to match up against him.”

Often regarded as the ultimate unicorn (though he prefers the label “alien”), one of the league’s first “unicorns” talked about how much he’s observed the 7’2 Latvian native, who’s currently in his ninth NBA season.

The 19-year-old star went on, “Not too much for film or lessons but he’s someone I used to look up to as a kid.” “It happens more frequently now that I’m in the league, but it’s always different,”

There’s more to it than height. It takes a lot of timing, but you also need to read and occasionally take a chance because blocking occasionally means parting from your own players. Wembanyama continued, “You can see the difference between people like Derrick White, for example, who have amazing timing and great reach, and talented shot blockers who can jump high or who are long.

For Wemby, Sunday night also symbolised the continuation of his own personal learning process.

“Every time is different, every game is different, but I’m trying to play a big defensive role, so I’m always wondering how much space can I give this player, can he shoot, and how much can I leave him alone.”