Spurs Sign 7th Overall Pick From 2011 NBA Draft As Third Wembanyama Backup

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most exciting young teams in the league. They have the last two Rookie of the Year winners. They just traded for a 27-year-old All-Star point guard. They have a treasure chest of future picks and other young assets. The Spurs are going to be a team to fear. Whether that is this season or a couple of seasons in the future is unclear, but what is for sure is that the Spurs are coming. 

Of course, much of that hinges on the development of Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is already probably the best defensive player in the NBA, and has a budding offensive repertoire as well. Many are expecting him to soon take the mantle of the greatest player in the world. 

To ensure that Wembanyama continues on the right path, they’ve surrounded him with skilled veteran centers to show him the way. 

Adding to that group of veteran bigs is Bismack Biyombo. ESPN reported that, “Free agent center Bismack Biyombo has signed a one-year deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.”

The Spurs have Kelly Olynyk, Luke Kornet, and now Bismack Biyombo as part of their depth at center next season. That is a combined 34 seasons of NBA experience. 

While these players may not have a HUGE impact on winning right now, they may in the future. They bring decades of invaluable experience to the Spurs' young roster and specifically to Wembanyama. If Wembanyama can learn the tricks of these less athletically gifted, crafty veterans, and match them with his insane body and raw abilities, these veteran signings could pay off huge in a few years.

For now, the Spurs-Biyombo signing won’t affect the Spurs' record much. However, they are playing the long game, and this is the kind of investment that may take years to see come to fruition.