The San Antonio Spurs have certainly been one of the surprises of the season. While most knew that they would be good in a couple of years, I’m not sure most expected them to get this good this fast.
Part of the reason has been a pretty solid year-two jump from guard Stephon Castle. De’Aaron Fox has also looked great in his five games since returning from injury. The Spurs even lucked out and drafted Dylan Harper second overall in this past NBA Draft, and he’s looked great for them.
The real reason for this sudden leap? Without a doubt, the answer to that question is Victor Wembanyama in year three.
Wembanyama has been putting up absurd stat lines and even more absurd highlights over the course of this young season, garnering MVP talk.
More: Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle record historic triple-doubles in loss
Monday, however, Shams Charania of ESPN released an update that will ruin most Spurs fans’ weeks.
It was announced today that Victor Wembanyama officially suffered a left calf strain during Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors and is now set to be sidelined for a few weeks.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has a left calf strain and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bqxDL9y6up
With Wembanyama out of the lineup for San Antonio, the Spurs are in deep trouble. While yes, the team around Wembanyama is talented and will only go up from here, the difference with and without him is striking.
When Victor Wembanyama is on the court, the Spurs have a net rating of +6.8. Without him, that number drops all the way to a -6.8 net rating.
If the Spurs hope to hold their spot as the fifth-seed in a stout Western Conference, it’s going to take a Herculean effort from the supporting cast.
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RC Nazemi is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He began his career centered around the Los Angeles Lakers after studying Mass Communications and Media Studies at Arizona State University. He is now expanding his coverage across multiple teams and multiple sports.