The Spurs mull bringing Victor Wembanyama off the bench in the Cup final - ESPN
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Michael C. Wright
Dec 15, 2025, 06:00 PM ET
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** Joined ESPN in 2010
** Previously covered Bears for ESPN.com
** Played college football at West Texas A&M
Imagine one of the NBA's most electrifying young talents potentially warming the bench during a championship showdown – that's the intriguing dilemma gripping the San Antonio Spurs as they prepare for the Emirates NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks. It's a scenario that tugs at the heartstrings of fans and raises big questions about strategy, health, and the future of a superstar. But here's where it gets controversial: is this approach protecting a phenom or unfairly sidelining him when the stakes are highest?
In a surprising twist, Victor Wembanyama stepped in as a reserve during the Spurs' semifinal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, logging fewer minutes than usual. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson revealed that they might adopt a similar tactic for Tuesday's title clash in Las Vegas. For beginners in the NBA world, picture this as a calculated move to manage the workload of a player recovering from injury, ensuring he's at his best for the long season ahead. The NBA Cup, in case you're new to it, is a preseason tournament that doesn't affect regular-season standings but boosts team morale and offers players a chance to shine early on.
Wembanyama himself addressed the buzz on Monday, offering a candid glimpse into the internal discussions. 'It's going to be a mix of different opinions,' he said. 'But I'm ready. Even I will have my own opinion [about what to do]. It will also be based on my thoughts and the thoughts of the staff. I just said a bunch of nothing. But basically, we're going to discuss it.' His words highlight the collaborative yet complex nature of team decisions, where even the star player gets a voice – a refreshing insight for those wondering how NBA hierarchies work behind the scenes.
This bench role marked a first for Wembanyama, who had been sidelined for 12 games due to a strain in his left calf. Against the Thunder, he played just 21 minutes, yet made a massive impact by scoring 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, while his teammates chipped in only 18 combined. To put that in perspective, think of it like a superhero entering the game at a crucial moment to turn the tide – that's the kind of late-game heroics that can define a player's legacy.
He didn't enter until the second quarter, when Oklahoma City held an 11-point edge. In his initial possessions, Wembanyama grabbed three rebounds, executed a tip-in layup, and dished an assist on Dylan Harper's three-pointer. He went on to shoot 2-for-3 from the field in that quarter, tallying five points and helping the Spurs narrow the deficit to three by halftime. Spurs guard Devin Vassell summed it up perfectly, emphasizing the strategic brilliance: 'I know Vic wanted to get out there and play more, but we're focused on his long-term [health],' he noted. 'I trust in Mitch 100 percent. They had the perfect plan. I know they talked about it over and over, and we executed it. As soon as Vic came in, he had the impact that we needed.'
And this is the part most people miss – the Spurs' careful minutes allocation wasn't random; it was a deliberate effort to balance immediate needs with future readiness. Wembanyama played about seven minutes in the first half and then 13:20 after the break, showcasing how teams like the Spurs analyze game flow to optimize performance without overtaxing key players.
Coach Johnson hinted that a comparable plan might unfold against the Knicks, stressing the ongoing dialogue. 'It'll be something that Victor and I will continue to talk through,' he explained. 'It's hard. He wants to play. He wants to start. He wants to finish. Wherever you put some minutes, that means you have less over there. We still have to think about what's best for the team, unfortunately. That decision can't be made in a vacuum, even though it's a very impactful and influential decision. We still have to make sure it fits with the other rollout of who's playing with who and how that affects others.'
For fans unfamiliar with NBA intricacies, this underscores the '65-game rule' – every game counts toward eligibility for major awards like MVP or Rookie of the Year, even preseason events like this Cup final. Wembanyama remains in the hunt despite his absences, making every minute precious.
The Spurs are committed to learning from past experiences, as Johnson elaborated: 'We're not at a stage where we will be unintentional with his minutes, whether that's volume over time [or] long stints,' he said. 'But we want to make sure we've learned or continue to learn from what has happened. That doesn't mean we have the answers. But we don't just say, 'Oh, now we're back,' or whatever. We are still learning and want to be very mindful of that.'
But let's stir the pot a bit – is this conservative approach genius or a missed opportunity? Some argue that benching a talent like Wembanyama could limit his growth in high-pressure games, potentially costing the Spurs the trophy. Others counter that prioritizing health is the smart play in a grueling 82-game season. What do you think? Should Wembanyama demand the starting role, or is the bench strategy the right call for long-term success? Agree, disagree, or have a wild theory? Drop your thoughts in the comments – let's debate!
