Gregg Popovich has long been revered as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, but frustration is mounting among San Antonio Spurs fans over his handling of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Despite Wembanyama’s generational talent, the Spurs are struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference, and many fans believe Popovich isn’t maximizing the young star’s potential. Complaints range from inconsistent rotations to questionable minute restrictions, leaving some to wonder if Popovich’s old-school approach is stunting Wembanyama’s growth.
After yet another disappointing loss, social media erupted with criticism. “Pop is a legend, but he’s coaching like it’s 2005,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Let Wemby cook!” Others pointed out that the 7-foot-4 French phenom often sits during crucial stretches of games or is surrounded by lineups that fail to complement his skill set.
Wembanyama has showcased flashes of brilliance, averaging impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks. However, there’s a growing belief that the Spurs’ offensive schemes don’t fully utilize his unique abilities. Some analysts have suggested that Popovich’s emphasis on team basketball—while successful in past eras—is limiting Wembanyama’s ability to take over games.
Adding to the frustration, the Spurs haven’t made significant moves to surround Wembanyama with a strong supporting cast. With no clear point guard to set him up, the offense often looks disjointed, forcing Wembanyama to create his own opportunities.
Popovich, who signed a five-year extension last summer, remains unfazed by the criticism. When asked about Wembanyama’s usage, he simply responded, “We’re playing the long game.”
That patience, however, is wearing thin for some Spurs fans. With other young stars like Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero thriving in more structured roles, many wonder if Popovich is holding Wembanyama back rather than setting him up for success.
Unless the Spurs start showing progress, the growing skepticism surrounding Popovich’s methods may only intensify.
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