Key Highlights
- Victor Wembanyama is close to the 65-game limit for end-of-season awards.
- The Spurs are cautious with his return due to a calf strain, prioritizing health over rushing him back.
- Wembanyama’s eligibility for a 30 percent designated rookie max extension hinges on his performance and achievements in the upcoming season.
The Rising Star’s Journey: Wembanyama and the 65-Game Limit
Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ towering star who debuted with a bang last year, is quickly approaching a crucial threshold that could determine his eligibility for end-of-season awards. As he faces an ongoing calf strain, the question of whether he can play enough games to remain eligible has become a pressing concern.
Health Over Performance: The Spurs’ Cautious Approach
The Spurs have been diligent in managing Wembanyama’s return from injury, recognizing the potential long-term risks associated with his unique physical profile. “Calf strains can be tricky,” notes a source close to the team, emphasizing that the club is taking no chances. The fear of another major injury like the devastating Achilles tear that sidelined several key players last season has led the Spurs to adopt a cautious approach.
Wembanyama’s Performance: A First-Team All-NBA Level
Before his recent absence, Wembanyama was playing at an exceptional level. He was averaging 26.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game with a +4.4 Estimated Plus-Mines rating, placing him in the top percentile of players according to dunksandthrees.com. His performance had even landed him in MVP conversation, which is a testament to his impact on the court.
However, the NBA’s strict rules require that players must play at least 65 games to qualify for end-of-season award ballots.
This means Wembanyama can only miss 17 games throughout the season to remain eligible. As of now, he is set to miss his 12th game tonight against the Lakers in the In-Season Tournament.
Future Considerations: Extension Eligibility and MVP Race
The Spurs are aware that Wembanyama’s future could hinge on how he performs over the remainder of this season. For a player like him, who is extension eligible at the end of this season, his performance will significantly impact his financial prospects. “He needs to play enough games and perform well to remain in the MVP conversation,” explains Jeff McDonald from The Express News.
Winning MVP or Defensive Player of the Year, securing All-NBA honors, or even achieving Defensive Player of the Year twice over consecutive seasons would make him eligible for a 30 percent designated rookie max extension. However, given his recent injury, it’s clear that the Spurs are prioritizing his health and ensuring he returns in top form before making any major decisions.
Victor Wembanyama is on track to return soon, having practiced with the team this week.
His path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: his presence on the court will be crucial for both the Spurs’ immediate success and his long-term career prospects.
The clock is ticking, and every game counts as Wembanyama approaches the 65-game limit for end-of-season awards. The pressure is mounting, but with careful management, the Spurs hope to see their star player back in action soon.