NBA Media Day 2023: What Is Spurs' Biggest Question?

An NBA season filled with Victor Wembanyama praise and hate is about to begin with Media Day Monday, but while the extra soundbites of the San Antonio Spurs rookie won't determine anything further about his potential, it is more reason to pay attention.

San Antonio Spurs fans, the day has oficially arrived. Media day is officially kicking off, and a collection of quotes, photos and videos will populate your social media feed. 

But whether you're simply looking for a new picture of Victor Wembanyama in a Spurs jersey, a new quote about how happy he is to be a Spur or a new video of him doing another inexplainable stretching routine, the attention will be largely placed on Wembanyama. 

But is the potential of the Spurs' new 7-4 rookie the biggest question heading into media day? Bleacher Report seems to think so, naming him in its league-wide analysis heading into the "beginning" of the season. 

Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) competes during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Thomas & Mack Center / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

"The sports and NBA media machine foisted an almost unbelievable level of hype onto Victor Wembanyama this summer," Bleacher Report wrote. "Now, the supposed 'greatest prospect in the history of team sports' has to try to live up to that hype with a San Antonio Spurs team that had the worst point differential in the NBA last season by far." 

Yes, it isn't a question that the Spurs struggled last year. There's a reason Wembanyama is set to suit up for the Silver & Black this season. But therein lies the question: How good can he really be off the bat? 

For starters, Wembanyama's true impact can't solely be measured on his stats. For a player with his frame, blocks will come, but that doesn't directly translate to overall defense. Wembanyama will need to remain in front of defenders and truly disrupt opposing offenses' rhythm. And then there's the offense, too.

"If Wembanyama can make this team competent right away with his length and fluidity as a 7'4" rim protector and potential creator, it'll be hard to deny the upside," Bleacher report said. "But if he looks overwhelmed by the physicality of the NBA, his jumper is shaky and guards are able to swoop in and steal his high dribble, some fans will start to have their doubts, fair or not."

That's also true. Wembanyama — being as touted as he is — is unfortunately going to be the face of the Spurs' inadequacies this season. Spurs lose opening night? Wembanyama is a bust. San Antonio drops back-to-back games? Wembanyama isn't the player he was made out to be. 

Wembanyama won't be focusing on his media perception, however. He's already made clear that his priority is to play basketball and play it well — an impressive mindset for any rookie. The next step for him is for it to translate on the court. 

Media day by itself won't answer that question or reveal anything further about the Spurs or their rookie, but it's a start to a season that will certainly be telling. And good or bad, that's reason for the Wembanyama attention to keep on coming.