Victor Wembanyama chats with former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich prior to WCF Game 3 vs. Thunder

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Victor Wembanyama chats with former Spurs coach Gregg Popovich prior to WCF Game 3 vs. Thunder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Victor Wembanyama's first playoff run has already been one for the record books. The Spurs big has looked every bit like the alien many tipped him when San Antonio selected him No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

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At just 22 years old, Wembanyama has already staked a claim for the title of world's best player. There are many reasons for Wembanyama's successes -- he is 7'4 with 8-foot wingspan, he can handle the ball like a guard one foot shorter than him and he shoot three-pointers than a great many long-range specialists.

But there are also intangibles that can come to explain Wembanyama's excellence. He has a passion for knowledge like few others he shares the floor with.

Wembanyama has lended his ear to a variety of subjects, from NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon to monks in central China. To that end, his relationship with Gregg Popovich fell under the spotlight ahead of San Antonio's duel with the Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Here's what you need to know.

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Victor Wembanyama chats with Gregg Popovich prior to game 3

Popovich appeared to offer Wembanyama advice ahead of San Antonio's Game 3 tilt with the Thunder on Friday night. Video emerged on social media showing the Basketball Hall of Famer chatting up the 7'4 supernova on Friday. Predictably, social media erupted with delight.

It's unclear what Popovich told Wembanyama. Knowing their eclectic interests, it's very possible the two discussed anything but basketball. Popovich certainly has plenty of wisdom to impart upon Wembanyama, having hoisted five NBA titles and three Coach of the Year awards across his 29-year career as Spurs head coach.

What did Gregg Popovich say to Victor Wembanyama?

At present, it's unclear what was said between Popovich and Wembanyama. The two could have been locked in an enchanting conversation about Oklahoma City's defensive setup or the best way for Wembanyama to field entry passes in the post. They also could've been discussing global politics or the Shaolin 13 Fist Form. It's really anyone's guess what they were discussing.

Perhaps we will get more insight on the nature of their conversation during Wembanyama's postgame presser. 

Victor Wembanyama - Gregg Popovich relationship

Popovich coached Wembanyama for a little more than a year. The 77-year-old stepped away from San Antonio five games into Wembanyama's second season, taking an indefinite leave of absence after suffering a stroke. Mitch Johnson took his place on the sideline, setting the stage for Popovich to take to the front office after the 2024-25 season.

Despite their brief spell as pupil and coach, the two seem to have struck up a strong relationship. Wembanyama said as much after laying siege to the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.

“I speak to him every day, before and after games. Whether it’s a quick text or a call,” Wembanyama said. “He really emphasizes taking my time, playing off two feet, and not rushing really ’cause that’s what they do.”

The proof is in the pudding. They've shared a fair few discussions during practices since Popovich moved into his front office post.

When did Gregg Popovich retire?

Popovich signed a five-year contract extension with the Spurs ahead of Wembanyama's rookie season. In Nov. 2024, he suffered a stroke. Two days later, San Antonio announced that Popovich was taking an indefinite leave of absence to tend to his health. Johnson was named interim head coach in Popovich's absence.

Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the Spurs announced that Popovich moved into their front office, serving as the team's president of basketball operations. Johnson was summarily promoted to the title of head coach.

What has Victor Wembanyama said about Gregg Popovich's curent role with team?

Wembanyama has praised Popovich for his contributions from his new post, telling reporters that he has provided sage insight into the rigors of basketball during San Antoni's postseason run.

"He gives feedback and talks to us regularly throughout our series, throughout our games." Wembanyama said, per The Athletic's Jared Weiss. "As always, when he speaks, everybody listens."

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