Patrick Millsap believes San Antonio could be the perfect environment for young Wembanyama to truly blossom and reach his full potential. As a former Spurs champion, Millsap is intimately familiar with the organization’s culture and approach to player development. “When you look at the Spurs’ track record over the years, they’ve always been one of the best teams at recruiting young, talented players and helping them reach new heights in their careers,” Millsap noted. “The level of coaching, the emphasis on fundamentals and the overall structure of the program is really conducive to allowing a player’s game to evolve and grow.”
Millsap cited the example of his own journey with the Spurs, where he was pushed to refine his overall skills and become a more complete two-way player. “Coming in as a young kid, I had a lot of natural ability, but the Spurs really challenged me to expand my game — to become a better passer, a more disciplined defender and really understand the nuances of the system. That attention to detail is what helps guys like me and so many others get to the next level.”
The former Spurs champion believes Wembanyama, with his unique combination of size, skill and athleticism, will be a perfect fit for the Spurs' development approach. "You look at his physical tools and the flashes of brilliance he's shown already, and it's easy to get excited about his potential. But the key is going to be harnessing that potential through hard work, repetition and a real dive into the fundamentals of the game." Millsap envisions the Spurs' coaching staff, led by veteran presence Gregg Popovich, working tirelessly with Wembanyama to hone his decision-making, defensive awareness and overall basketball IQ. "Pop and his staff have a proven track record of helping young players maximize their abilities. They're not going to just let Wembanyama sit back and enjoy his natural gifts; they're going to challenge him every day to improve in the way he may have. "I haven't even considered it yet."
Beyond on-court development, Millsap believes the Spurs’ organizational culture will also play a crucial role in Wembanyama’s growth. “The Spurs have always been about creating a family atmosphere, where every player feels invested and supported, both on and off the court. That kind of environment, where you know the organization has your back, can be incredibly valuable for a young player to find their way in the league.” Millsap cited examples of former Spurs players, like himself, who thrived in the challenging yet challenging culture. “Guys like myself, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili – we all benefited tremendously from that Spurs way of doing things. It’s not just about the Xs and Os; it’s about instilling the right mindset, the right work ethic and the right sense of responsibility to the team and the community.”
Despite the commanding presence and imposing skills of 19-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama, the French national team was unable to overcome the veteran leadership and exceptional performance of Australia’s Patrick Mills in their July 21 matchup. In a nail-biting finale, the Australian team emerged victorious with an 83-82 victory. Wembanyama, widely touted as one of the most promising young prospects in world basketball, showcased his immense talents throughout the match. The 7’4″ prodigy pulled down an impressive 12 rebounds, highlighting his dominance on the glass and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. However, it was Mills’ veteran savvy and experience that ultimately proved to be the difference.
The 34-year-old Spurs legend has been a mainstay of the Australian national team for over a decade, leading them to consistent success on the international stage. In this crucial match, Mills once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best playmakers in the world, putting the team on his back and leading them to victory. From the first tip, Mills set the tone with his relentless energy and playmaking skills. He cut through the French defence, looking for openings and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make timely decisions proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the French team.
But Mills’ impact went beyond just his scoring output. The veteran floor general also showcased his all-around game, grabbing 2 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists and making a crucial steal that helped turn the tide of the game. It was the kind of all-around performance that has become the hallmark of Mills’ illustrious career. As the game reached its final climactic moments, Mills stepped up and delivered the deciding blows. With the score tied and time winding down, the Australian star calmly sank two free throws to give his team the lead. Then, as the French pressed for the tying basket, Mills went one-on-one, intercepting a pass and denying a last-second opportunity.
The veteran’s composure and experience in high-pressure situations proved the difference, leaving the young French team and their favourite prospect, Wembanyama, to ponder what might have been. It was a stark reminder that even the most talented players still have room to grow and develop, and that the intangibles of leadership, discipline and mental toughness can often be the deciding factors in tight, hard-fought battles. For Wembanyama, the loss was undoubtedly a learning experience: a chance to see for himself the level of competition and craftsmanship he will need to reach to fully realise his immense potential. The imposing teenager showed brilliance, but was ultimately no match for the guile and poise of the veteran Mills and the Australian team.
