San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs CEO R.C. Buford was unable to provide a timeline for the return of Gregg Popovich when asked about the legendary head coach's status Wednesday.

Speaking to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Buford said the following regarding when or if Popovich will return to the sidelines after suffering a stroke: "His improvement continues to get better, [but] I don't know that we have any way to judge the clock. Predicting what's to come is just a function of where Pop's rehab goes."

Popovich, who turns 76 next Tuesday, has not coached in a game since suffering a "mild stroke" on Nov. 2.

In December, Popovich released his first statement since the stroke, and he seemed to indicate that he planned to get back to coaching as soon as possible, saying: "No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable."

Popovich is among the greatest coaches of all time, as his 1,388 career wins are the most in history.

He is also a five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Coach of the Year, and he took the Spurs to the playoffs in 22 straight seasons from 1997-98 through 2018-19.

While the Spurs have now gone five straight seasons without a playoff appearance, they appear to be on the ascent with a 19-22 record after going 22-60 in each of the previous two seasons.

Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson has done a nice job in Popovich's absence, posting a 17-19 mark.

Entering play Wednesday, the Spurs were just 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, which is the final spot in the postseason play-in tournament.

Per Vardon, Johnson divulged that he has been in contact with Popovich throughout his absence, and Spurs guard Chris Paul said Popovich calls players after every game, so his fingerprints remain on the team even while he is away recovering.

It is an exciting time for Spurs fans due to the presence of rapidly rising star Victor Wembanyama, and the eventual return of Popovich would perhaps provide even more juice to a team that is clearly on the ascent.

Victor Wembanyama has officially reached superstar status among NBA executives.

Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the San Antonio Spurs center's play in 2024-25 has some around the league believing he should be in the MVP race.

"What he's doing is just ridiculous," an executive told Bontemps and Windhorst. "Say whatever you want about him meeting expectations; if he gets that roster to the playoffs, he should get MVP votes. And he might."

Wembanyama is averaging 25.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 32 games for the Spurs in 2024-25. These numbers have been a step up from his debut season in 2023-24 and he also leads the NBA in blocks per game (4.0).

His play has helped San Antonio start the season 18-19, which is 10th in the Western Conference. While this would have the team currently in the play-in tournament, it is a major step forward for a team that hasn't reached the postseason since 2018-19 and is coming off two consecutive 22-60 seasons.

He is the clear leader of the team, as Devin Vassell is second on the team in points per game at 15.2, and the team's postseason potential will run through Wembanyama. Even if the team doesn't qualify, his continued development should make the Spurs a free-agent destination as it looks to return to a championship contender.

Victor Wembanyama didn't back down from the challenge of going up against one of the best players in the NBA on Wednesday.

As the San Antonio Spurs faced the Milwaukee Bucks, Wembanyama had some early highlights against Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the first quarter alone, Wembanyama blocked Antetokounmpo before hitting an absurd up-and-under layup against the Defensive Player of the Year.

WEMBY WHAT ⁉️ pic.twitter.com/9uc1voRIox

— NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2025

HOW?! 🤯

Vote #NBAAllStar 🌟 https://t.co/ovVcT11GyM pic.twitter.com/ryPYiRuD8r

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 9, 2025

After the wild highlights from Wembanyama, fans hyped up the young star.

I thought Wemby was about to cram it on Giannis but instead made one of most insane shots of the season lmfao

— Jordan Christmas (@Jordan_Xmas) January 9, 2025

Wemby got a Giannis block and a one legged 3 in 90 seconds

This game about to be one of them ones.

— Keith Nelson Jr (@JusAire) January 9, 2025

Bro what.
Wemby casually pump faking Lopez and going up and under Giannis for a layup

— Kwisatz Haderach 🇬🇩 (@Mind0fJo3l) January 9, 2025

Wemby making plays early.

Got a help block on Giannis, pump faked and then stepped into a 1-foot made three. Just now, challenged Giannis at the rim with an up and under layup.

He has 7 points

Tied game

— Paul Garcia (TheSpotUpShot.com) (@PaulGarciaNBA) January 9, 2025

Wemby really just did an athletic reverse layup driving past Giannis.

Bro is just gonna keep blowing my mind, isn't he?!

— Eric Adamcik 🇵🇸 (@RealEricAdamcik) January 9, 2025

How did Wemby finish that layup on Giannis? Wow.

— Jeremy Grandison (@JeremyGrandiso1) January 9, 2025

Wth was that Wemby layup 😂 insanity

— Finn Kuehl (@finleykuehl) January 9, 2025

That wemby layup was ridiculous

— R e a d y B o i (@READYBOi_) January 9, 2025

It looks cooler when wemby does a crazy layup than when he dunks

— Black Space Ghost (@VaudevilleMelon) January 9, 2025

That layup by wemby was insane man 🤦‍♂️

— Ryan Rollins Muse (@ryanrollinsmuse) January 9, 2025

Wemby with an Area 51 worthy layup

— 🚫 (@DavidFnMorgan) January 9, 2025

Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo's matchups have not disappointed so far, and Wednesday was no exception. Wembanyama, who just turned 21, is entering his prime and Antetokounmpo seems to still be in his prime, which should lead to more exciting matchups between the two for years to come.

Wembanyama has followed up his tremendous rookie year with an even better sophomore season. He's averaging 25.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and a league-best four blocks per game. The Spurs, who went 22-60 during the 2023-24 campaign, are 18-18 on the year, taking a leap behind Wembanyama's outstanding play.

While San Antonio still isn't quite an NBA Finals contender, it seemingly won't be long before Wembanyama has the Spurs knocking on the door of a championship.

Nikola Jokić heaped praise on Victor Wembanyama following the San Antonio Spurs' 113-110 road win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Jokić expressed his belief that Wembanyama is better than he was last season and will continue to get better before adding: "He's a special player. I think he's gonna be one of a kind and one who's gonna be remembered forever."

Nikola Jokic on Victor Wembanyama: “I think he’s better this year than last year, and I think he’s going to get even better... I think he’s a special player. I think he’s one of a kind and is going to be remembered forever.” pic.twitter.com/sjt05Fjs2g

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) January 4, 2025

Jokić put up monstrous numbers in Friday's loss, recording a game-high 41 points to go along with 18 rebounds and nine assists, but the Spurs prevailed behind Wemby's 35 points on 14-of-22 shooting, plus 18 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Prior to going No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama was one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory.

The Frenchman didn't disappoint, as he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per game during his debut season, en route to being named the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

He followed that up by leading France to a silver medal in men's basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The 7'3" center has taken significant strides in his second NBA season, averaging 25.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.9 blocks, 3.3 three-pointers made and 1.0 steal per contest, while hitting 48.7 percent of his shots from the field and 36.2 percent of his attempts from deep.

Wemby is arguably already the most complete player in the NBA despite the fact that he just turned 21` on Saturday.

The most impressive aspect of Wembanyama's second NBA season may be the fact that he has the Spurs in playoff contention at 18-16, which is good for eighth place in the Western Conference.

San Antonio has posted five consecutive losing seasons, including 22-60 marks in each of the past two campaigns.

The calendar just turned to January, and Wembanyama already has the Spurs on the verge of winning as many games this season as they did all of last season.

There is perhaps no higher compliment for an NBA big man than to be praised by Jokić, who is a three-time NBA MVP and may be heading toward his fourth this season thanks to averages of 31.0 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game.

Jokić is undoubtedly among the most versatile bigs of all time, and Wembanyama is already trending toward putting himself in that same category.

All signs point toward Jokić passing the proverbial torch of NBA big man supremacy to Wembanyama in the future, but for now, they are both elite players who figure to have many more battles in the years to come.

San Antonio Spurs superstar center Victor Wembanyama offered fans the chance of a lifetime on Saturday.

Wembanyama asked for the best places to play chess in New York City in a post on X, and then offered the opportunity to play against him at Washington Square Park in a subsequent post:

What are the best spots to play chess in NYC ??

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

Wembanyama was a man of his word, showing up to the park despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/qblm9xzOfL

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

A good day for chess ♟️ https://t.co/kdlYt9Nwgm pic.twitter.com/NY1f4HJcCy

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 28, 2024

Wemby pulled up to Washington Square Park in the rain this morning to play chess against some hustlers 🤣

(via @PrinceInTheMix) https://t.co/7F07jP7nKu pic.twitter.com/HOQYw4RZEC

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) December 28, 2024

"I don’t know. I was just feeling like it."

-Wemby on why he decided to play chess with fans at Washington Square Park 😅🔥

(w/ @mollyhannahm) pic.twitter.com/JkQYOFEagz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 28, 2024

Afterward, Wembanyama took to social media to call for expanding his Saturday morning adventure into a bigger event involving NBA players:

We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner https://t.co/OyudB2t4io

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

Wembanyama and the Spurs were in town after facing the New York Knicks on Christmas Day and the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

The 20-year-old Frenchman is in the midst of his second NBA season, and he has quickly become one of the league's biggest and most recognizable stars.

As a rookie, Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The 7'3" big man led the league in blocks and finished second in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting, while also earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors.

As dominant as Wembanyama was during his debut campaign, he has been even better this season, averaging 25.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 3.9 assists, 3.4 three-pointers made and 1.0 steal, while shooting 48.0 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from deep.

Perhaps most impressively, Wembanyama has helped the Spurs to a 16-15 start, which is good for ninth place in the deep and competitive Western Conference.

Entering this season, the Spurs had posted five consecutive losing campaigns, including 22-60 marks in each of the past two seasons.

Wemby has the Spurs firmly in the playoff mix, and the team only figures to get better as he continues to develop and the front office continues to surround him with more talent.

While Wembanyama feels like a larger-than-life figure, his willingness to spend some time with everyday people in NYC makes him as relatable as any star in the NBA, and will likely serve to increase his popularity even more.

Despite a dominant game from Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs didn't have enough to get past the New York Knicks on Christmas Day.

Wembanyama, who had 42 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in his first-ever Christmas game, said the loss had less to do with the Knicks playing "better basketball" than the Spurs and more to do with San Antonio giving the game away in the final moments.

"I don't think it was a game about momentum — I think it was a game about being dawgs," Wembanyama said, per The Athletic's Joe Vardon. "When the clock starts going down under five minutes, three minutes, we let them get some rebounds on us. We let them move us a little too much. They didn't win against us because they played better basketball."

The Spurs and Knicks were tied heading into the final three minutes, but a Miles McBride three-pointer gave New York a 112-109 lead and San Antonio never led again. Though the Knicks led by six in the final minute, the Spurs cut the lead to three and would have had the chance to tie in the final seconds, but back-to-back offensive rebounds from New York prevented them from taking another shot.

Though a win wasn't in his cards, Wembanyama had a historic night. He smashed the Spurs' Christmas Day scoring record and scored the third-most points in a Christmas debut, only behind Wilt Chamberlain (45) and Tracy McGrady (43).

Wemby put on a show in NYC 🤩

42 PTS
18 REB
6 3PM
4 BLK

The first player to record 40+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ 3PM in a game on Christmas Day! #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/8rPDLalzSe

— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2024

He was also the first player in NBA history to log 40-plus points, 15-plus rebounds and five-plus threes made in a Christmas game.

San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama has been on a tear lately, and he rose to the occasion on the grandest stage of them all.

Wembanyama put on a show at Madison Square Garden in his first career game on the NBA's Christmas Day schedule, dropping 42 points on 16-of-31 shooting, 18 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and a steal as the Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in a thriller, 117-114.

Christmas Game 1: A+++++

— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) December 25, 2024

Thanks to his gaudy stat line, Wembanyama etched his name into the record books. He tied the MSG record for three-pointers made on Christmas Day, shooting 6-of-16 from beyond the arc. His 42 points are the third most for a player in his Christmas Day debut behind only Tracy McGrady and Wilt Chamberlain. He is the third player ever to have 40+ points and 15+ rebounds, joining Chamberlain and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Unfortunately, Wembanyama's outstanding outing wasn't enough to take down the Knicks, who extended their winning streak to five straight games behind Mikal Bridges' 41-point performance. Bridges, who shot 17-of-25 from the field, also knocked down six three-pointers in the victory.

However, it was Wembanyama who was the talk of social media, as fans couldn't help but marvel at his dominance at MSG in his Christmas Day debut:

Wemby having a Kobe, MJ, Bron type of Christmas Day performance in Madison Square Garden is what I’m here for. The young man is definitely standing on Business!!!

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 25, 2024

Sheesh Wemby

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 25, 2024

We allowed to say Wemby the best in the league yet or…

— Colb (@___Colb___) December 25, 2024

Wemby is the third player in NBA history with 40 points and 15 rebounds on Christmas Day, joining Wilt Chamberlain (1959 & 1961) and Nikola Jokic (2022).

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) December 25, 2024

MIKAL AND WEMBY GO OFF IN CHRISTMAS DAY BATTLE 😱🎄

Bridges: 41 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Wemby: 42 PTS, 18 REB, 4 AST, 4 BLK

Knicks pull out the close W 🗽 pic.twitter.com/hACv4tYWae

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 25, 2024

WEMBY GOING OFF AT THE GARDEN. 🚨

42 PTS with 8 minutes left to play... pic.twitter.com/KTWJo8ZRey

— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2024

Wemby in the Garden pic.twitter.com/8nurXIc71i

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 25, 2024

Wemby's catch radius is ridiculous. 👀

35 PTS, 16 REB, 4 BLK, 5 3PM with 10 minutes left to play... pic.twitter.com/9NV4lUh386

— NBA (@NBA) December 25, 2024

Wemby or not, here he comes.

— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) December 25, 2024

In the first quarter, Wembanyama was shooting everything in sight. Now he's getting his Larry Bird-Magic Johnson passing on.

This is incredible to watch

— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) December 25, 2024

Wemby being a 7’5” demigod is crazy but it’s crazier that he’s seven years away from his prime pic.twitter.com/19PC6DdTFu

— devkon (@devkonn) December 25, 2024

wemby is like the climate change of the NBA. you know it’s coming to get us all but there’s really nothing you can do about it so you just sit back, smile and say “wow what a beautiful 70 degrees day in november”

— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) December 25, 2024

https://twitter.com/CookedByRiley0/status/1871999721730081157

Wembanyama has now reached the 40-point mark twice in his last four games and recorded at least four blocks and four three-pointers in three consecutive outings. The 20-year-old is widely regarded as the future face of the NBA, and he's already starting to take over as one of the best players in the league.

Wembanyama and the Spurs will try to bounce back from their Christmas Day loss when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

The San Antonio Spurs reportedly aren't worried that Victor Wembanyama's reliance on three-pointers ranks him closer to the NBA's backcourt leaders than frontcourt stars.

According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, "internally, the Spurs are often amused to hear so much conversation and consternation about the shot diet of their young star."

"One team source believes Wembanyama is closer to Kevin Durant than, say, Hakeem Olajuwon, which helps explain why nearly half his shot attempts come from beyond the arc," Wright wrote.

Through 23 games Wembanyama has made 49.4 percent of his shot attempts from deep, averaging 9.1 three-point attempts and making 3.2 per game.

Comparatively, the 7-foot-3 forward-center averages 5.6 two-pointers on 9.3 attempts per game.

Wembanyama has earned comparisons to Olajuwon since his rookie season thanks to his skills as a shot-blocker, which currently have him leading the NBA in blocks per game for the second straight season.

During the Spurs' Saturday win over the Portland Trail Blazers, he joined Olajuwon as one of six NBA players to record 30 points and 10 blocks in a single game.

But the Spurs apparently expect Wembanyama to end up earning more comparisons to Durant, who won four scoring titles between 2009 and 2014.

Wembanyama, who faced Durant when Team USA and Team France played for gold during the 2024 Paris Olympics, would likely be pleased by his team's internal comparisons to a player he has previously said was his favorite as a child.

Durant meanwhile said during Wembanyama's rookie season that the Spurs star was "going to be a force in this league for a long time," so he likely wouldn't mind the comparison either.

The young Spurs star and the Suns veteran are slated to meet up in San Antonio when their two teams play next on Thursday, Feb. 20.

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly among the potential trade destinations for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points revealed that the Spurs, Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers have been "quietly mentioned in league circles" as trade partners for Miami involving a Butler deal.

The Denver Nuggets are also considered a "dark horse" team to acquire the six-time All-Star, per Siegel.

San Antonio has already exceeded expectations to begin its 2024-25 campaign, led by star Victor Wembanyama. After the Spurs finished with a mere 22 wins last season, they already sit at 14-13 through 27 games this year.

WEMBY WAS UNREAL TONIGHT ‼️

50 PTS (career-high)
8 3PM 🔥
6 REB
2 BLK
1 STL

TALLEST PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY TO HIT 8+ THREES IN A GAME 😱 pic.twitter.com/ieqAjeVQuW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 14, 2024

With San Antonio potentially competing for its first playoff appearance since 2019, adding a veteran with postseason experience such as Butler should help the team down the stretch of the regular season.

The 35-year-old is averaging 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game on 55.2/35.7/78.2 shooting splits throughout 14 starts with the Heat.

JIMMY BUTLER THROWS IT DOWN TO FORCE OT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KlLDXJHFMr

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2024

For the Thunder, an acquisition of Butler would cement their status as a championship threat. Oklahoma City already owns the best defensive rating in the association, holding the No. 1 seed in the West with a 21-5 record (via NBA.com).

Butler's ability to score off the dribble and find open teammates should allow him to fit seamlessly in a starting lineup that would also include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti may be hesitant to shake up the team's rotation in order to accommodate Butler given the strong start to the year, but the veteran could be the missing piece for the organization's first title in Oklahoma City.

As Gregg Popovich continues his recovery from a mild stroke suffered on Nov. 2, the legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach shared an update.

In a statement shared by the Spurs on social media, Popovich thanked fans for the support he has received while also making a quip towards himself for being "uncoachable" in his rehab.

This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. As we work together on my recovery, I wan tto take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we've rceived during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best way possible. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say thar my family and I are forever grateful. We're thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends. No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable.

pic.twitter.com/SANMwklGjV

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 16, 2024

When the Spurs announced that Popovich had suffered a stroke in November, they said he was expected to make a full recovery but did not provide a timeline for his return. Popovich's latest update did not indicate when he'll be back on the sideline, but he seems to be in good spirits.

With Popovich out, Mitch Johnson has served as acting head coach and the Spurs are currently 13-13.

Popovich, 75, is in his 29th season at the helm in San Antonio, by far the most-tenured coach in the NBA. The five-time NBA champion is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in NBA history, amassing the most regular season wins (1,401) in league history along with a laundry list of other accolades.

The Spurs tabbed him as the coach they want to lead the early part of Victor Wembanyama's career as they signed him to a new five-year deal in July 2023 shortly after Wembanyama was selected first overall in the NBA draft.

The first year of the Wembanyama era didn't go too well as the Spurs finished 22-60, but that was somewhat expected with such a young roster. While San Antonio might not be viewed as a Finals contender just yet, it could certainly make its way into the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

For now, the Spurs will look to stay afloat in the West as they await Popovich's return.