“Hope Wemby Doesn’t Go Kawhi Leonard on Pop”: Skip Bayless Predicts Victor Wembanyama-Greg Popovich Feud in San Antonio

Even though the San Antonio Spurs were always going to select Victor Wembanyama with their #1 pick at the 2023 Draft, Adam Silver calling out the French phenom’s name made the move official. Widely regarded as the greatest prospect we’ve seen in 20 years, Wemby is expected to bring back the glory days for San Antonio. Having already displayed his love for the franchise even before he got drafted, Wembanyama recently revealed his excitement to play under the guidance of Coach Gregg Popovich. While the entire basketball world is eagerly waiting to see the Popovich-Wembanyama pairing flourish, FS1 host Skip Bayless has already predicted a rift in their relationship.

After playing under Coach Pop for seven seasons, Kawhi Leonard parted ways with the Spurs in the summer of 2018. Although the two have now seemed to have patched things up, at the time, their relationship didn’t end on the best note. Predicting a similar situation to take place between Wemby and Pop, Bayless recently dropped a bombshell on NBA Twitter.

Skip Bayless believes Victor Wembanyama may leave San Antonio like Kawhi Leonard

In the seven seasons donning the Spurs uniform, Kawhi did lead the franchise to a Championship win in 2014. However, a huge San Antonio fan, Bayless instantly hated Leonard for splitting up with the Spurs. But as per his recent tweet, the UNDISPUTED analyst blames Coach Pop for driving the Klaw out of Texas.

Before Wembanyama even puts on the team’s jersey, the 71-year-old pundit has already cursed his relationship with Gregg Popovich. According to the FS1 analyst, the 74-year-old coach wouldn’t be able to fathom being the “second biggest star” in town, after the teenager. Further stating that the veteran coach will “make it tough” for the youngster, Bayless absurdly claimed that Pop would destroy Wemby’s confidence so that he can take credit for “building him back up”. The former Chicago Tribune columnist’s tweet read:

“Gregg Popovich isn’t going to like it that he’s now the second biggest star in San Antonio. He will soon make it tough on Wemby, break the kid down so he (Pop) can take credit for building him back up. Hope Wemby doesn’t go Kawhi on Pop and say, ‘Enough of this.'”

Skip Bayless has become a household name due to his harsh and often unfounded criticism of several players, including LeBron James. As unfortunate as it seems, instead of expecting Wemby to succeed for his fav team, he’s already predicting a civil war within the Texas side.

Gregg Popovich reveals plan to create a comfortable environment for Wemby

Right after getting drafted, Wembanyama was seen having a conversation with his new coach on Draft day. As seen in the Spurs’ tweet, Wembanyama revealed being excited to play under the mentorship of Popovich. Stating that he was “ready to learn”, the youngster had a quick, wholesome chat with Pop.

On the other hand, talking about Wemby’s development, Popovich revealed his plan to create a comfortable environment for the European sensation.

“We’ll be most interested in setting the framework and an environment where he’s comfortable, where he can be Victor. He’s not LeBron or Tim or Kobe or anybody else, he’s Victor. And that’s who we want him to be.”

The San Antonio Spurs have been very successful in developing foreign players in the past. Great examples include Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Victor Wembanyama should flourish and gain a lot of knowledge under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich.