A sharp Wembanyama, Spurs reinforced with the arrival of <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/power-rankings-memphis-in-a-sprint-at-the-heart-of-the-marathon-nba/" title="Power Rankings | Memphis in a sprint at the heart of the marathon | NBA“>Chris Paul, the Frenchman finds himself in better conditions for his second year in the NBA. Guest of the RMC Stephen Brunch show, Vincent Collet, former coach of the Blues, sees the French giant further improving its statistics line and “continuing its march forward.”
If everyone does their part, why wouldn’t it work? It’s not just San Antonio that has strengthened with the arrivals of the experienced Chris Paul (39 years old) and Harrison Barnes (32 years old). Over the past twelve months, Victor Wembanyama has gained 11 kg, going from 95 to 106 kg.
With a penultimate place in the Western Conference last season, just ahead of the Trail Blazers, the objectives are completely different for this season which begins this Wednesday, October 23. “The challenge is the playoffs, but it is not going to be easy, even if I find the team more consistent. There, it will clearly progress,” assures Vincent Collet, guest this Sunday on the RMC Stephen show Brunch. “Last season, they had around twenty victories in a tough Western conference. To hope to reach this big milestone, we will have to pass the 45 mark (successes), there is a long way to go.”
“25 points and 12 rebounds on average this season”
Reaching the playoffs this season seems difficult to imagine, and that will require a very big Wemby. Before the start of the 2023-2024 season, Vincent Collet predicted 20 points and 10 rebounds for the French pivot, figures that the neo-Spurs had reached and even exceeded (21.4 pts and 10.6 rbs). “I think he’s going to score close to 25 this year and 12, not to mention assists. He’s going to continue to gain momentum, but will that be enough (for the playoffs)?” The former coach of the Blues who led them to the final of the Olympic tournament in Paris.
On a personal level, Victor Wembanyama will be able to count on significant support, on an experienced leader. Chris Paul (39 years old), one of the best leaders of the last 20 years. “A real opportunity for the Frenchman”, according to Vincent Collet: “He was not helped much by his teammates who rarely put him in a situation. Here I think that Chris Paul will give him many easier solutions to put him in the situation. pace and in good conditions,” he said this Sunday.
“An impact that goes beyond simple statistics”, that’s how Devin Booker defined “CP3”, at the end of the 2021-2022 season. The experienced American ultimately appears to be the missing link for the Spurs. “I also think that he is the type of player who will talk to and advise Victor, who still needs to progress in his decision-making. We know that his favorite sin is to go on somewhat risky rallies. I think that Victor is relatively well involved enough to be able to be moderate and controlled in these situations and that will help him to progress, to grow”, concludes Vincent Collet, a few days before the start of the 2024-2025 NBA season.
