“I’d Do a Somersault”: Gregg Popovich Thrilled San Antonio Spurs Drafted Wembanyama

• Gregg Popovich is delighted the San Antonio Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, but he can't do a somersault
• The Spurs coach is looking forward to coaching the third No. 1 pick San Antonio have got in the NBA Draft
• The French youngster is regarded as one of the best prospects in NBA history

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a hilarious reaction after they drafted Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The veteran coach is looking forward to working with the French phenom, who is the most coveted draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003.

Popovich has led the Spurs to five NBA championships and has been at the helm of the franchise since 1996. Moreover, he has coached two No. 1 picks during his tenure in San Antonio: David Robson (1987) and Tim Duncan (1997).

At 74, he has another chance of coaching what many describe as a "generational talent" in Wembanyama. The young Frenchman will be looking to rejuvenate Spurs, who have been in the wilderness for years. The legendary coach is delighted they have Wembanyama in their ranks.

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“Anybody would be excited about getting the No. 1 pick. I’m very excited,” Popovich said. “I’d do a somersault but I’d be out for three months,” via Washington Post.

The 19-year-old was ecstatic after the draft.

“This is accomplishing something that I have been dreaming of my whole life,” he said on ESPN’s broadcast. “Hearing that sentence from (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver, I’ve dreamt of it so much that I have to cry, man,” via Straits Times.

What will Wembanyama bring?

It was a big night for San Antonio. Fans have been anticipating the arrival of Wembanyama after they won the draft lottery in May. They painted murals and flocked to AT&T Center to follow the draft.

Wembanyama's combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him one of the best prospects of all time.

He has the size of a center but the ball handling, passing, and shooting abilities of a guard, an insane blend that promises to transform the game.

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His 7-foot-4 frame also allows him to block shots and rebound comfortably.

How much will Wemy make?

Sports Brief earlier broke down Wembanyama's potential salary for the 2023/24 season.

He is expected to earn as much as $12.2 million in his first season. Based on salary cap projections ($136 million), the young French star's on-court earnings could be as much as $55.2 million over four years.

Wemby could also make way more from his off-court deals. He is a Nike athlete.