Wembanyama’s Return Is Carefully Managed as Spurs Show Signs of Growth
The San Antonio Spurs are starting to turn heads. Their recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder - the defending champs - is the kind of victory that gets people talking. But even as the team builds momentum, the Spurs are sticking to their long game when it comes to Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama, who missed 12 games with a left calf strain, remains on a minutes restriction. Since returning, he’s come off the bench in all seven games - a move that might raise eyebrows for a player of his caliber, but one that’s entirely by design.
In Thursday night’s win, he still managed to put up 19 points and grab 11 boards in just 26 minutes. That kind of production in limited time tells you everything you need to know about how impactful he can be - even in a reduced role.
But don’t expect the Spurs to suddenly shift gears just because the team is heating up. Interim head coach Mitch Johnson made it clear: Wembanyama’s usage isn’t changing anytime soon.
“I don’t know when it becomes unrestricted, but his minutes will be mindful for dot, dot, dot,” Johnson said. “There’s nothing that’s going to make us flinch or change on that. If this game goes into triple overtime, he will not be in the game.”
That’s a strong statement - and it underscores how committed the organization is to Wembanyama’s long-term development. After the big man missed the post-All-Star stretch last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, the Spurs are playing the long game. Johnson emphasized that there’s no short-term payoff worth risking Wembanyama’s health or growth.
And Wembanyama is on board with the plan. That mutual understanding between player and organization is critical.
The Spurs aren’t just managing a potential superstar - they’re building around one. And that starts with keeping him on the floor for years to come.
Cam Thomas Nearing Return as Nets Find Their Footing
Brooklyn could be getting a key piece back this weekend. Cam Thomas is trending toward a return Saturday against the Timberwolves, according to head coach Jordi Fernandez.
Thomas went through a full-contact practice Friday morning after being cleared, which is great news for a Nets team that’s quietly found some rhythm. After a brutal 3-16 start, Brooklyn has gone 6-3 over its last nine games - a stretch that’s helped stabilize what was quickly becoming a lost season.
“I just want to get back on the court and play,” Thomas said. “It’s obviously good seeing them playing well. I just want to get back on the court and play.”
Thomas signed a one-year qualifying offer last summer and has only suited up for eight games this season. But when he’s been on the floor, he’s been electric - averaging 21.4 points and 2.6 assists in just under 29 minutes per game.
The scoring punch has never been in question. What’s held him back is availability.
Over the past two seasons, he’s played just 33 games.
That’s the storyline to watch here. If Thomas can stay healthy, he gives Brooklyn a dynamic scoring option who can swing games. But for now, the focus is just on getting him back in uniform - and keeping him there.
Spoelstra Keeps the Pressure On as Kel’el Ware Learns the Heat Way
In Miami, Erik Spoelstra doesn’t pull punches - and rookie big man Kel’el Ware is getting a front-row seat to what accountability looks like in the NBA.
Spoelstra has been publicly challenging Ware since the summer, pushing him to grow as a professional and find ways to impact winning beyond the box score. It’s not always easy feedback to hear, but Ware isn’t rattled.
“I’ve been getting coached like that,” Ware said. “So it’s not much of a big thing to me. I just take it as they want to see me be better.”
That’s the right mindset - and it’s one Spoelstra clearly appreciates. While Ware’s numbers are trending in the right direction, the Heat coach is still asking for more, especially on the defensive end. He’s not just coaching for today - he’s trying to accelerate Ware’s development into a player who can help Miami win playoff games down the line.
“He’s handling it appropriately when he’s being held accountable to winning things,” Spoelstra said. “We want growth faster.
I want him to be like he’s 28, and that’s not realistic. But his play is improving, and I want to feel that.”
That’s classic Spoelstra - pushing buttons, setting high expectations, and demanding more even when progress is being made. For Ware, it’s a crash course in what it means to play Heat basketball. And if he keeps trending upward, that tough love might just turn into long-term success.