Victor Wembanyama’s recent injury has sent shockwaves across the NBA. The Alien has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. However, it didn’t take long for fans to draw up a hypothetical scenario where this injury could be beneficial for the San Antonio Spurs.
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With Wemby being injured, the Spurs can now aim for the top draft pick, which would get them the highest-rated recruit of the 2024 class- Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old seems to be on board with the idea.
ESPN BET posted an image of Wemby and Flagg on Instagram with the caption, “Imagine this duo in San Antonio.” Seemingly showing interest in the possibility, Flagg liked the post. The Duke star’s social media activity was spotted by fans on the internet, who then reposted the screenshot on other platforms.
The Spurs are currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference with a 24-31 record. Their current position will restrict them from entering the 2025 draft lottery with an opportunity to sign Flagg. However, since the best player on the team is injured, the Spurs’ season is likely to spiral down from here.
This has led to speculations about the possible team-up of two of the finest young talents in the game.
https://twitter.com/WembyCentral/status/1893813811917820058?t=eNuLejdnhT0ZJ7Udwc8W_g&s=08
At this point, it isn’t a far-fetched dream. The scenario is also reminiscent of the 1997 NBA Draft where the Spurs got the first pick after David Robinson was sidelined for most of the season due to back issues and a broken foot. The duo known as Twin Towers won two championships in 1999 and 2003. After the Admiral’s retirement, Duncan led the team to three more championships.
The Spurs can dream of a similar outcome with Wemby’s injury. However, the biggest hurdle on their path is going to be Flagg himself.
Cooper Flagg might stay at Duke for his sophomore season
Flagg joined the Blue Devils in 2024 and has had a brilliant year so far. He is projected to be the National Player of the Year. More importantly, the 18-year-old is slated to be the number one draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he isn’t so sure about heading into the NBA right now.
Earlier in February, Flagg told The Athletic, “I still feel like a kid…This is the only way I’ve ever known college. That’s how I see it. I really wouldn’t know how kids felt before, and if this feels different, if this feels more like being a professional. I mean, it’s the same thing for kids in high school, too, getting paid a lot of money. I don’t know. I feel pretty normal.”
Even though he’s enjoying his time at Duke while making a lot of money, it’s unlikely that he will stay there for another season. If that happens, it’ll easily be one of the biggest shockers in college basketball/NBA Draft history.
