Victor Wembanyama gives Tarris Reed Jr. a unique education he won't find elsewhere

San Antonio Express-News' Tom Orsborn asked De'Aaron Fox how Tarris Reed Jr. looks after a training camp practice on Friday, October 2. San Antonio's max-contract guard was complimentary of the Spurs' late first-round pick, but what stood out was an acknowledgement of the tough test the ex-UConn star is already facing in his young NBA career: going toe-to-toe with Victor Wembanyama.

"I think he's been great... He has the body of an NBA player. Not a lot of guys are built the way he is. And obviously, just playing against Vic every day is no easy feat, but he's continuing to get better." De'Aaron Fox on Tarris Reed Jr.

It was a subtle comment, but it doesn't come without an additional layer. Reed gets the benefit of facing the guy who just became the first unanimous DPOY every single practice. Different opponents will present their own unique challenges, but if the Bear can figure out how to be productive against the top shot blocker in the NBA, he should be able to pick up points against lesser players.

Reed is getting the toughest test possible in practice

This has potential as an "iron sharpens iron" opportunity. However, we're in the early stages of learning who Reed is as a player. The hope is that he's of a similar enough metallic structure to turn these lessons into tangible results against other elite NBA competition. That may be a little deep on the metaphor, but you get what I'm saying.

Experience means nothing if a player can't do something with said experience. That's what I'll be looking for if Mitch Johnson gives the number 26 overall pick a shot early in the season. Not for him to automatically be some dynamic offensive player, but for him to show patience when his opportunities come.

Tarris Reed Jr. has to turn Wemby's lessons into production

Rushing shots and not using his mass effectively are the quickest ways to have his attempts returned to sender or flat-out missed. But he should be realizing that right now, because Wemby punishes the undisciplined. Hell, he'll destroy an opponent's shot when the discipline is right. It forces guys to play with a heightened degree of focus.

Reed should be taking strong mental notes of every blocked or rushed shot, learning what positions he can take to free himself or his teammates up for quality looks. There's a strong veteran presence in San Antonio's locker room, but the youth movement is full of smart, capable players, too, and they're all willing to help.

Maybe none of it translates. Late first-round picks wash out every year, and being a good practice problem for Wemby isn't the same as being a good NBA center. But Spurs Nation is pulling for this kid. He's getting the hardest tutor in the league before he's played a real minute, and that's a head start most rookies don't get.

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