Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs star vows to 'be in there fighting' for Victor Wembanyama

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/6/23

Keldon Johnson is willing to have Victor Wembanyama's back this season. The 23-year-old forward is expecting opposing teams to bully the incoming rookie. Wembanyama hasn't experienced the physicality of the NBA yet, which could be a significant culture shock. However, Johnson is willing to step in and protect the San Antonio Spurs young star.

Johnson's comments were made during an interview with Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express. The young forward also noted how he believes multiple teammates will help protect Wembanyama as he adjusts to the NBA.

"Of course, there are going to be some people who want to try him this year, try to bully him," Johnson said. "We got his back...I have got (Wembanyama's) back 100 percent. I am going to be in there fighting for him, and I know my teammates will do the same."

Keldon wants it know that Wemby will have a team of enforcers around him: "Of course, there are going to be some people who want to try him this year, try to bully him. We got his back... If I feel like there is any situation they are trying to go after him, I will be there."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) October 6, 2023

Wembanyama is 7-foot-4 but has a wiry frame. At 19 years old, Wembanyama's body is still developing and filling out. Given his height and versatile skillset, some teams may look to bully him off his spots. Or, they could look to rough him up and take him out of rhythm.

Wembanyama will be an easy target until he adds some muscle and learns to embrace physicality. That's why the Spurs roster is already expecting a contentious season.

Johnson is widely seen as one of the Spurs' young building blocks. In the coming months, he will need to develop an on-court chemistry with Wembanyama. The Spurs have all the tools in place to develop a contending core in the coming years.

Ensuring the Spurs' young talent remains healthy and confident will be a primary remit heading into the season. Wembanyama will need enforcers around him. Luckily, his teammates seem more than willing to accept the challenge.

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