Why Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama will win MVP ‘for next 10 years,’ per Mike D’Antoni

The San Antonio Spurs are currently trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1 in the NBA Playoffs after suffering a 123-108 loss in Game 3. As concerns grow about the physical play targeting Victor Wembanyama, Charles Barkley strongly defended the situation during an NBA on ESPN broadcast.

Barkley sarcastically suggested that people should pray for Wembanyama and labeled critics as “clowns.”

He argued that Oklahoma City is not playing dirty, describing the contact as some of the softest fouls he has ever witnessed and expressing frustration with media narratives that overreact to the physicality.

While pundits discuss the potential physical toll on players, legendary former NBA coach Mike D’Antoni is in awe of Wembanyama’s remarkable defensive skills.

In an interview with ESPN, the well-known offensive strategist claimed that traditional offenses attempting to drive to the rim face no chance against the 7-foot-4 star.

“If you’re just going to play traditionally and try to get to the rim, you’ve got no chance,” D’Antoni stated.

D’Antoni elaborated on how Wembanyama disrupts the pick-and-roll game, explaining that his unique length eliminates the need to play high on screens.

“We always teach players to be up with the screen, but he doesn’t have to be there,” D’Antoni noted.

“He can drop back and still impact the shot. He’s the only player who can do that. You can’t teach it, and you can’t work around it. That’s why he’s going to be the MVP for the next ten years.”

This overwhelming defensive presence is precisely why opponents celebrate when Wembanyama leaves the game.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards humorously admitted on his YouTube channel that he was thrilled when Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid, noting how the big man resembles an 8-foot-5 statue, making the Spurs extremely difficult to defeat when he anchors their defense.

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