Inside The Spurs

Spurs Make Announcement on Signing 13-Year NBA Veteran

The San Antonio Spurs added reinforcements following the NBA trade deadline to help Victor Wembanyama down low

Matt Guzman

Jan 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo (18) defends during the first half at FedEx Forum.
Jan 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo (18) defends during the first half at FedEx Forum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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With Charles Bassey still out and an open roster spot available, the San Antonio Spurs saw their chance.

Over the trade deadline, Victor Wembanyama received his co-star in Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox, whom San Antonio acquired without giving up its main young core. The major moves ended there, however.

By sending Zach Collins to Chicago in the deal, the Spurs' center room was dwindling. Bassey was the primary option behind Wembanyama, but another injury has him sidelined indefinitely, leaving Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jeremy Sochan as the two viable backups.

Enter 13-year veteran Bismack Biyombo.

Biyombo, 32, was officially brought in by the Spurs on an Exhibit 10 contract, as announced by the team Sunday. He brings with him a plethora of experience, including some time in Phoenix next to Chris Paul from 2021-23.

The center last played 10 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2023-24 season, and before that, he started 27 games for the Memphis Grizzlies. He'll wear No. 18 in San Antonio.

Biyombo isn't likely to notch huge minutes in Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson's rotation, but with only 10 days on his deal — a potential 10-day renewal awaits him, should he fit well — there isn't much risk for the young team.

Besides, if he comes with Paul's seal of approval, the Spurs might just be inclined to see how much he can provide in a limited time.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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