The San Antonio Spurs have long been known for their culture and the caliber of the individuals who make up the franchise. From the players to the coaching staff to the front office, there has been very little in the way of showboating, attitude, or drama in the team’s half-century in the NBA.
Gregg Popovich has described the trait as someone who is “over themself.”
On Thursday, the 2025 NBA Draft brought Dylan Harper into the fold. On draft night, Harper received a call from Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. While getting a call from the coach should come as no surprise, getting one from a cornerstone player might.
Victor Wembanyama FaceTimed with Harper while the new acquisition was still taking it all in.
Victor’s call started with, “I play for the Spurs. My name is Vic.”
While the statement may seem humorous as any individual being drafted most assuredly knows who Victor Wewmbanyama is and who he plays for, there is humility in those words.
Wemby engages with no pretense, a trait that few men of his age and stature exhibit as naturally as the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
It does harken to Tony Parker’s humorous tale of how Tim Duncan didn’t even speak to him as a rookie. And did Duncan call Manu Ginobili when he was drafted to welcome him?
Granted, Parker was au unknown 28th pick. And while Manu Ginobili has got to be the greatest player ever drafted 57th, no one could have predicted bond that developed over the years and the championships to follow.
Wembanyama and Dylan Harper, along with Stephon Castle represent a trio of young stars with unlimited potential. Wemby making that call makes total sense, because fans have already learned what to expect from this generations next greatest player.
Or do we?
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