Fans are eagerly awaiting their first look at Victor Wimpanyama on the NBA court. They will have to wait until the start of the season.
The 7’4” Frenchman will be the first overall pick by San Antonio in the June 22nd draft, but the Spurs won’t rush him onto the field. Yes, Coach Popovich and the entire Spurs franchise are pioneers of the “load management” movement in the NBA, but with Wimpanyama, that’s just common sense.
Wimpy played professionally in France last season, winning the French Professional League title and taking home almost every possible award. He was the league’s Most Valuable Player, Best All-Star Player, Best Scorer, Best Defender, Best Blocker and – for the third year in a row – Young Player of the Year.
Wimpanyama was in control of a league full of grown men. He doesn’t need to prove himself against the teens and unoccupied free agents in any summer league.
He has also played much longer than his potential opponent, with his professional season extending into mid-May. There is no reason for Tottenham to restart exhibition play after six weeks. Trust us, they have a lot of game tape on Big Victor.
The recent history of the Summer League’s top picks could give Spurs pause, too. Zion Williamson and Markelle Fultz both suffered injuries that sidelined them for extended periods of time during Summer League games. And even when a top pick remains healthy, he usually shuts out early, as the Magic did with Paolo Panchero after two games last summer.
So there will be no cure for Wimpanyama fever until the start of the season. We think it’s worth the wait.