Victor Wembanyama Reflects on Carrying Spurs Legacy Into NBA Finals

The San Antonio Spurs franchise has some rich history, built on a foundation of prominent figures like Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Manu Ginobili.

Each of these figures is still heavily involved with the franchise, serving as mentors for the 2026 iteration of the team as they prepare for the NBA Finals.

During his NBA Finals media availability on Tuesday, Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama was asked about striking a balance between living up to the past and paving the way for the future of the San Antonio franchise.

“We’re really being put in the best settings to do that. It’s not really an effort I have to make, because all these guys you mentioned - it’s like they’re carrying us and they’re guiding us in the right direction,” Wembanyama replied.

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Wembanyama has already cemented himself in the Spurs’ record books with his historic play through the first 17 games of his playoff career. The 22-year-old Frenchman averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game as he led San Antonio to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2014.

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If Wembanyama and the Spurs are able to take down the New York Knicks in this year’s championship series, they’ll secure the franchise’s sixth NBA title.

Game 1 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET from San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 8:51 PM.