FORTY points. Fifteen rebounds. A 125–92 statement win over Dallas.
Victor Wembanyama’s first game of the season was the kind of performance that fills highlight reels and headlines.
But for Blake Griffin, what always stood out about San Antonio's franchise player isn't just his height of 7-foot-4 - it's also been everything else.
“When I first saw him play, I said I think I have to retire — it’s his time,” said Griffin, who is now part of NBA on Prime’s broadcast crew now age 36.
“I can go on and on about his height, his skill set, his defense… When you see him play, even if you don’t know basketball, you can say this guy’s really good. But what I like most about him is his mindset, it’s unbelievable.”
The former No. 1 overall pick last played in the NBA in 2023, or just when Wembanyama was bursting onto the scene as a generational talent from France.
Wemby is now into his third season in the NBA as a 21 year old, yet Griffin remarked that he is “wise beyond his years.”
“All the little things he did this summer? Went to a Buddhist temple, meditated… He clearly has it, and he’s taking it very seriously,” contined the onetime L.A. Clippers cornerstone who officially retired in April 2024.
“He respects the game and the gifts he’s been given. Seeing a young guy with that mindset? It’s cool, it’s giving me goosebumps,” Griffin added. “He’ll keep getting better.”
READ: Dirk, D-Wade turn up volume for NBA on Prime debut
Griffin joins Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, John Wall, and Udonis Haslem as part of NBA on Prime, which begins streaming select games starting October 25.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
