The only thing that's been worse than watching the Spurs lose some of the close games they have recently to good teams is seeing Victor Wembanyama firmly planted on the bench for elongated stretches due to his minutes restriction.
The move is understandable. Everyone is already concerned about his size and wants to take great care of his slender frame, but that doesn't make it any easier to stomach losing winnable games when your best player isn't being unleashed. But fear not; the moment you've all been waiting for may be coming to an end soon.
Asked Wemby, w/ team seemingly jelling & winnable games coming up, if there's an increased urgency to have minutes restriction lifted. He said his body feels great, that cap “could be turned off like this (snaps fingers)” & that he hopes he can talk to medical staff about it soon
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 11, 2024
Wembanyama's recent output tells you he's ready to end all debates
Despite the limitations of his playing time, he has been a force on both sides of the floor. Over the last eight games, Wemby has averaged 20 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 blocks. He's shooting 5.5 free throws a game at 85% over this stretch. Eight games is when his minutes restriction began so this production is coming in about 24 minutes per game. When you extrapolate the numbers to per 36, it paints a clear picture of what's on the horizon.
Victor Wembanyama PER 36 MIN stats since being put on minutes restriction on December 26th.
— 𝗕𝗞𝗕 (@brayknowball) January 11, 2024
32.9 PPG
12.5 RPG
6.0 APG
6.0 BPG
Insanity. #PorVida pic.twitter.com/rhCiOtWAfk
Unfortunately, for all other viable contenders, Wemby will soon be unshackled, shutting down all comers for the Rookie of the Year crown. He has been putting together a string of historic performances, and as well as Chet Holmgren and Jaime Jacquez Jr. have played, there is another tier called Alien that they are simply not equipped for.
Victor Wembanyama (20yr, 6d) becomes the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple double with 0 turnovers (since turnovers were first tracked in 1977-78), previous: Andre Iguodala (21yr, 54d) 03/23/2005 https://t.co/0mIqkAwYUi pic.twitter.com/KwSfPQ8cRM
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2024
Wemby has been on fire lately. Increasing his minutes is going to be fun to watch for all involved. He has been anxious to get back to the norm. With Tre Jones now in the starting lineup, things are starting to fall into place for the number one draft pick. He has someone to feed him consistently, and for someone so thin, he's shown he has a hell of an appetite.