Victor Wembanyama Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs’ Gregg Popovich gives positive update on Victor Wembanyama’s minutes restriction

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 1/21/24

The completely healthy and fully unleashed version of San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama may take the NBA by storm again sooner rather than later. Although Wembanyama began the year without a minute restriction, he's been held around the 24-minute mark since missing the team's Dec. 19 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.

But on Saturday night, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich hinted that Wembanyama's minutes restriction could be removed as early as Wednesday, January 24, in a nationally televised game on ESPN against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Popovich stated that Wembanyama's restriction won't be removed by Monday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, but "perhaps after that," as Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Pop the minutes restriction on Wemby might be lifted soon.

"Not by next game (at Philadelphia on Monday night), but perhaps after that," he said.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 21, 2024

It's hard to argue that there'd be a better spot for it to happen for general NBA fans than a featured matchup on ESPN. While Popovich didn't go as far as saying it was a sure thing that Wembanyama would have the restriction removed, the rookie's minutes of late indicate that the moment is getting close.

Wembanyama has played 28, 27 and 27 minutes over the past three games while averaging 25.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and a stellar 4.0 blocks. The 20-year-old No. 1 overall pick has shot 47.6% or better in each of those three games and even while playing limited minutes, has continued to solidify his case as a top contender for the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award.

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