Victor Wembanyama may change NBA basketball. The excitement surrounding this kid is immeasurable. By contrast, Wembanyama’s wingspan is quite measurable. It’s about 8 feet long. We’ve never seen a player with his combination of that size and Wembanyama’s skill.
Conventional wisdom would have him playing center. When you’re talking about Wembanyama, throw conventional wisdom out the window. Apparently, he’d prefer to play the 4.
Fair enough. Wembanyama’s slight frame may make it difficult to go to war with the league’s strongest players on a nightly basis. With that in mind, the Spurs are expected to pursue a 5 to pair him with. How about Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Ivica Zubac
Are we setting unfair expectations for Wembanyama? In a sense, absolutely. Wembanyama may change basketball? He hasn’t played a second of NBA basketball yet. What are we doing here?
Anticipating. This is how the system works. We scout players, and we make projections about their potential. Is Wembanayama a victim? Perhaps.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, San Antonio Spurs & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
He’s also a generational talent. Expectations come with that level of mastery. For better or for worse, Wembanyama is expected to become, at a minimum, one of the best players in the NBA. Does this deal help him get there?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Well, let’s talk about what type of big man should play next to Wembanyama. What does he need? Floor spacing? Not necessarily. Wembanyama may not be a knockdown shooter, but he’s a willing one. That’s not an absolute must in his frontcourt partner.
Versatile defense? Not important. Wembanyama should be one of the most versatile defensive bigs in the league. So, what does he need in the big man that starts next to him?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, San Antonio Spurs & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Rim protection. Rim running. Put a traditional bruiser next to Wembanyama, and he’ll thrive. That’s exactly what Zubac is. He’ll wrestle with big bodies down low,.protect the rim in drop coverage, and finish pick-and-rolls efficiently. Should the Clippers part with such a player?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers are in a weird position. We’re not sure what they’re going to do next. Will they trade Paul George? It feels possible. The combined injuries between him and Kawhi Leonard have held this group back. It could be time to move on.
Let’s assume the Clippers aren’t doing that. They could use a little more draft capital. With that in mind, adding this first-round pick is a big deal for this organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, San Antonio Spurs & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
On the other hand, they could also use a point guard. Russell Westbrook can still be effective for stretches, but by now, he ought to be part of a platoon. By adding Graham, the Clippers would be shoring up that position. Even if it means watching Zubac become a part of history.
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