NBA – Fred Weis Speaks Out After Wembanyama’s Injury: “Maybe It’s a Blessing in Disguise”
Victor Wembanyama won’t return until the next NBA season, which is obviously a disappointment for fans.
However, according to Fred Weis, the Spurs might actually benefit from this situation in the coming weeks.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs have decided to maintain their ambitions in the Western Conference—at least for now.
After losing to the Pistons in their last game, San Antonio still wants to believe in their playoff chances.
However, the latest developments are worrying, with De’Aaron Fox potentially undergoing early surgery for his finger injury and Gregg Popovich’s absence being extended.
A Tough Road Ahead for the Spurs
The Spurs are facing multiple setbacks and will need to find miracle solutions to reach the playoffs.
Otherwise, tanking to secure a high draft pick wouldn’t be the worst option.
After all, the team already has a significantly negative record. On top of that, they hold the Hawks’ draft pick, which could be valuable.
A Silver Lining for the Spurs?
This take will certainly spark debate, but Fred Weis is trying to find some positives after Wembanyama’s diagnosis.
His injury is serious, yes, but the Spurs could take advantage of it in the upcoming draft.
Let’s not forget that Cooper Flagg will be available in the next draft class, so it might be worth making some strategic moves.
Fred Weis (via RMC Sport):
“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.
Since they won’t make the playoffs, they might end up with a better draft pick than they originally would have, which could help strengthen their team.
He (Wembanyama) was an All-Star, he was perfect. He does things no one has ever seen before.”
Without Wembanyama, everything suggests that the Spurs will continue to drop in the standings—something that was already happening even with the Frenchman on the court.
For Weis, this is actually an opportunity, as he believes San Antonio should fully embrace the draft strategy.
Mitch Johnson could also take advantage of this situation by making Stephon Castle a starter, giving him valuable experience.
Of course, this is a controversial topic when discussed within the franchise.
While some fans might agree with Weis, it’s unlikely that the team itself shares this perspective.
For the players and coaching staff, tanking is simply not an option.
Fox has repeatedly stated that they are there to win—nothing else.
Can there be a silver lining after Wembanyama’s injury?
Perhaps, and Fred Weis seems to have a valid point regarding the draft.
The Spurs might as well make the most of this situation while also focusing on the development of their young players over the next two months.
