The NBA All-Star voting results are in, and there’s a glaring omission that has Spurs fans up in arms: Victor Wembanyama didn’t make the starting lineup for the Western Conference. As a Spurs writer, I can’t help but feel this is a major snub for our rookie sensation.
Wembanyama narrowly lost out to Kevin Durant for the final frontcourt spot. While Durant is undoubtedly deserving, it’s LeBron James’ inclusion that raises eyebrows. James, while still a force, isn’t putting up the numbers that justify his starting position over Wembanyama.
The voting breakdown reveals where things went wrong for Wemby. He finished second in media voting, which should have given him a comfortable lead. However, he ended up fourth in fan voting, which ultimately doomed his chances. This highlights the ongoing issue with All-Star voting being more of a popularity contest than a true reflection of on-court performance.
It’s frustrating to see a player of Wembanyama’s caliber, who’s been in the MVP conversation, miss out on a starting spot. His defensive prowess alone should have secured his position. The argument that the Spurs’ losing record should count against him doesn’t hold water when you consider that Steph Curry made the cut despite the Warriors not being in playoff contention.
Mid-Season Report Cards for Spurs’ Bigs
Moving on to our mid-season evaluations, let’s look at how the Spurs’ big men are faring:
Charles Bassey has shown great energy and rim protection, but his lack of offensive development outside the paint limits his impact. He’s averaging about 5 points and 4 rebounds in 10 minutes per game. While his hustle is commendable, he needs to expand his game to secure a long-term role.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, or “Big Mamu,” has been a pleasant surprise. He’s connecting on 40% of his three-pointers and providing valuable floor spacing. His hustle and versatility make him an intriguing piece, but he’s struggling to find consistent minutes in the rotation.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ big man situation, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Zach Collins’ struggles and contract situation
• Victor Wembanyama’s impressive stats and potential
• The future of the Spurs’ frontcourt rotation
