Victor Wembanyama’s potential has been the headline since the moment he entered the league. But inside the Spurs’ locker room, the focus isn’t on what he might become - it’s on who he already is. And that version of Wemby is earning serious respect.
According to those around the team, Wembanyama has embraced the Spurs’ long-standing culture of humility, accountability, and team-first basketball. He’s not just the towering centerpiece of the rebuild - he’s already carrying himself like a guy who understands what it means to be part of something bigger than himself.
“I have never one time seen him put anything individually self-serving above the team in any way,” head coach Mitch Johnson said. “He’s one of the 18 members of the team and he acts like that 100 percent of the time.”
That’s not just coach-speak. For a franchise that’s been defined by the quiet excellence of David Robinson and Tim Duncan, Wembanyama is already checking some familiar boxes.
He’s coachable. He’s grounded.
He doesn’t want special treatment - he wants to be held to the same standard as everyone else.
“I want to be held accountable,” Wembanyama said. “I don’t want favors. I want the same treatment as everybody else.”
That kind of mindset resonates - not just with coaches, but with teammates up and down the roster. Whether it’s starters, reserves, or two-way guys, Wembanyama makes it a point to connect. He’s not just leading with talent - he’s leading with presence.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, he’s trying to embrace you,” said Spurs wing Stanley Umude. “He’s all about winning. No ego stuff going on.”
That’s rare. Especially for a player who entered the league with as much hype and expectation as Wembanyama.
But in San Antonio, it fits like a glove. The Spurs are still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Wembanyama is still learning the NBA game.
But the hardest part - the culture, the mindset, the willingness to be coached - is already in place.
And for a franchise that’s built its legacy on players who do things the right way, that’s not just encouraging. It’s foundational.