The San Antonio Spurs are taking a supremely cautious approach with their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, as he works his way back from a month-long absence due to a calf strain. Despite the team's success and Wembanyama's own impressive performances, the plan remains unchanged: the French star will continue to come off the bench with a strict minutes limit, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains.
A Deliberate and Patient Recovery Plan
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has made the team's strategy unequivocally clear. Speaking ahead of their game against the Washington Wizards this Sunday, Johnson confirmed that Wembanyama's role as a reserve with limited playing time is the established plan moving forward. "That’s going to be the plan until it’s not… The season's long and grueling," Johnson stated, emphasizing the day-by-day approach required by the NBA's demanding schedule. The coach has not provided a specific timeline for when this arrangement might end, underscoring the extreme care being taken with the 21-year-old frontcourt star, especially given his recent injury history.
Wembanyama suffered a left calf strain during a game against the Golden State Warriors on November 14. The injury sidelined him for twelve consecutive games before he made his return in an NBA Cup semifinal against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 13. Since that comeback, he has appeared in four games, including the NBA Cup final, exclusively in a reserve role.
Production Despite Restriction
Remarkably, the minutes cap has done little to stifle Wembanyama's impact on the court. In the four games since his return, he has averaged just over 20 minutes per game but has consistently produced. He has scored at least 14 points in each outing and recorded two double-doubles. His defensive presence remains formidable, with his streak of games with at least one block recently surpassing 100.
Furthermore, Wembanyama quietly achieved a historic milestone, entering an exclusive statistical club. By recording his 500th career assist, he joined Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to amass at least 3,000 points, 500 assists, and 100 blocks within their first 135 career games. Over that span, he holds averages of 20.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Team Success and Future Fixtures
The careful management of their star has not derailed the Spurs' season. In fact, the team has looked focused and cohesive, boasting a strong 21-7 record that places them second in the competitive Western Conference. They are currently riding a six-game winning streak.
The team's immediate schedule includes a Tuesday night matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by a marquee Christmas Day game that will be broadcast nationally. The back-to-back set of games, including a Friday contest following a Thursday night game, naturally raises questions about Wembanyama's availability and playing time. For now, veteran big man Luke Kornet is expected to start in his place as Wembanyama's bench role continues. The Spurs' philosophy is clear: safeguarding the future of their franchise player is the paramount objective, even if it means limiting his role in the present.
