Victor Wembanyama must learn lesson from mistake Spurs fans didn’t see coming

Following the San Antonio Spurs' loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Victor Wembanyama opted not to speak to the media. Going forward, this is a behavior he's going to have to learn to correct.

I'm not trying to make this an "old man yells at cloud" sort of take. This isn't about him simply needing to act more professionally, rather it relates to him setting a tone for the rest of his team after a loss. This is what franchise players do, and it's the mindset Victor will need to adapt for him to become the best version of himself and to rally his teammates around him.

This is especially important given where the Spurs are in their development right now. San Antonio is still a young team learning how to win together, and Wembanyama is already at the center of everything. When things go well, his joy and competitiveness are infectious. When things go poorly, his response matters just as much. Teammates take cues from their best player, whether consciously or not.

The Spurs have quickly elevated themselves to the level of one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but there's still naturally going to be off nights with a young team. There are nights when they look like a true Finals contender, and then there are nights like the loss to Utah, where execution slips and frustration creeps in. Those are the moments when leadership matters the most.

Victor Wembanyama needs to continue stepping up as a leader

Victor does not need to have all the answers in front of a microphone. He doesn't need to deliver some perfectly crafted quote or shoulder blame that's not his. Sometimes, simply showing up and acknowledging the disappointment is enough. It signals togetherness and belief that the group will learn from the setback rather than splinter because of it.

This is also part of the natural evolution of a franchise cornerstone. Tim Duncan was famously reserved, but even he understood when it was time to speak and to protect the locker room. Wembanyama is still early in that process, and moments like this are learning opportunities rather than red flags.

San Antonio’s coaching staff keeps emphasizing growth, and this is part of that process. Wembanyama is being asked to develop not just as a player, but as the face of a rebuild that's quickly turning a corner. That role comes with uncomfortable responsibilities, especially after losses.

Ultimately, this is a small moment in a very long career arc. But small moments add up. If Wembanyama wants to be the player who leads the Spurs back into title contention, embracing those moments after tough losses will be just as important as anything he does on the court.