Wembanyama’s French teammates provides cautionary tale for Spurs

In this year's rendition of EuroBasket, we dearly missed Victor Wembanyama taking the court for his home country of France. Without him, the team was heavily disappointing and unable to reach its desired goals. France would lose in the round of 16 to none other than the former San Antonio Spur, Sandro Mamukelashvili. However, the loss wasn't the only unfortunate news for Team France.

Wembanyama's former French teammate and current Washington Wizard, Bilal Coulibaly, tore a ligament in his thumb and will likely miss the start of the NBA season. While it is terrible news for Coulibaly, it is a big sigh of relief knowing that our Spurs stars will enter the season almost fully healthy. Although it would have been a blast watching Wemby playing overseas, we need to keep him safe.

Victor Wembanyama's health supersedes everything else

Wembanyama's greatest strength is also his biggest downfall. His alien-like frame has allowed him to dominate the NBA floor and present the most unique player we have ever seen, but it also opens the door to injuries.

Outside of an unrelated blood clot issue this past season, we have been lucky to keep our star on the court thus far in his career. The Spurs need to do everything in their power to keep it that way.

The Spurs have multiple avenues to help Wembanyama stay healthy. Even if it means that he will be cutting it dangerously close to the 65-game award rule, Mitch Johnson may need to rest the star more than fans would like. The Aliens' massive, lanky body needs rest, and the Spurs need to give it to him whenever he needs it.

If that means that Wembanyama will rest during back-to-backs or take extended rest breaks, then so be it. Whenever anything pops up, whether it be soreness or tightness anywhere in his body, Mitch Johnson needs to take note and give himself the time that he needs. The big man's health needs to be the Spurs' number one priority going forward.

With added depth and a boatload of complementary pieces on the roster, the Spurs are equipped to stay afloat without their star on the court. During games where Wembanyama needs his rest, new addition Luke Kornet can fill the void at starting center and allow De'Aaron Fox to run the show.

Unlike last year, when lowly veteran Bismack Biyombo was the lone backup center, the Spurs have what it takes to survive without Wembanyama. With that, the Spurs will be able to continue their push for the playoffs while simultaneously keeping their superstar spry.

While it may hurt to see Wembanyama off the court during the season or away from out-of-league tournaments, it is the right decision in the long run. Here's to a season of perfect health for Vic.