The post Richard Jefferson drops Spurs rumor on Victor Wembanyama’s request for more help appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Former NBA forward and current analyst Richard Jefferson revealed that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama reportedly urged the organization early in his rookie season to surround him with more talent, signaling the team’s desire to accelerate its rebuild and compete as soon as possible.
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On the Road Trippin’ podcast, Jefferson discussed what he described as a growing rumor around the league.
“There are rumors in the basketball world that Wemby told the people in San Antonio early on that I needed a little more help. It wasn’t like a rookie, he’s playing, we’ll see who we draft. He said I need better basketball players around me. Now, mind you, he’s the kind of player you move on quickly, like Zion Williamson, and they put a team together around him. “
Jefferson added that the Spurs front office responded to that pressure by making aggressive roster changes that were a departure from their historically patient approach.
“When you’re 19 and you walk in there and you’re like go get me some help, they’re like, ‘Wait, big guy, we got you. Hey De’Aaron, Chris Paul, they brought help. He has a good team around him so I don’t question his level of competitiveness.”
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Spurs accelerate rebuild around Victor Wembanyama with bold squad changes
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
For much of the last decade, San Antonio has relied on internal development and recruiting capital, rarely making spectacular moves. That approach changed dramatically at the 2025 trade deadline, when the Spurs signed a multi-team deal to acquire All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox. The trade sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, while Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and a 2025 first-round pick went to the Chicago Bulls as part of a package focused on building a faster, more dynamic offense around Wembanyama.
The Spurs also added veteran point guard Chris Paul before last season to provide leadership and stability. Although Paul has since signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, his brief time in San Antonio highlighted the franchise’s desire to surround its young centerpiece with proven experience.
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Wembanyama’s dominance on the pitch played a central role in this renewed sense of urgency. The 2024 Rookie of the Year averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range. His sophomore campaign, however, was cut short at just 46 games due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. The illness, which required extensive treatment and monitoring, ended his season prematurely but did not slow his rise as one of basketball’s brightest young talents.
Wembanyama’s rise fuels Spurs’ acceleration towards competition
The 21-year-old’s impact went far beyond scoring on the field. Wembanyama’s defensive presence completely changed the way opposing teams attacked the Spurs, while his offensive versatility — able to handle the ball, space the floor and finish above the rim — gave San Antonio a legitimate franchise cornerstone for the first time since the Tim Duncan era. His maturity and competitiveness would also have resonated with Spurs management, fueling a shared urgency to move from rebuilding to competing.
Jefferson’s comments suggest Wembanyama’s influence extends beyond his play – determining how quickly San Antonio re-enters the competition. The addition of Fox, along with improved depth and spacing, signals a franchise determined to build around a generational player who has already shown a willingness to lead both on and off the court.
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The Spurs will open the 2025-26 NBA season next Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN when they take on the Dallas Mavericks, led by rookie Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis. This game will serve as an early indicator of how San Antonio’s revamped roster stacks up against one of the Western Conference’s most intriguing teams — and whether Wembanyama’s push for more help has put the Spurs on a faster path to contention.
Related: Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox, Lindy Waters receive important updates ahead of season opener
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