Imagine this: one of the most promising young stars in basketball, Victor Wembanyama, might not start in the NBA Cup final. Sounds crazy, right? But that's exactly what the San Antonio Spurs are considering, and it’s sparking a lot of debate. ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reports that after Wembanyama came off the bench in the semifinal win against Oklahoma City, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson hinted that a similar strategy could be in play for Tuesday’s championship showdown with the New York Knicks. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wembanyama, who missed 12 games due to a left calf strain, played just 21 minutes in the semifinal, yet he still managed to score 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter—a performance that single-handedly shifted the game’s momentum. So, why bench him? Johnson insists it’s about long-term health and team strategy, but fans and analysts are divided. Is this the best move for the Spurs, or are they underutilizing their star player? And this is the part most people miss: even if Wembanyama doesn’t start, his minutes still count toward the NBA’s 65-game rule for individual awards, so there’s more at stake here than just the Cup. Teammate Devin Vassell trusts Johnson’s plan, saying, ‘They had the perfect plan. As soon as Vic came in, he had the impact that we needed.’ But Wembanyama himself admits, ‘It’s going to be a mix of different opinions.’ So, what do you think? Is benching Wembanyama a genius move or a missed opportunity? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
