14-year NBA veteran Bismack Biyombo did a terrific job in Victor Wembanyama’s absence.
The San Antonio Spurs’ 2024-25 NBA season is more or less over, such is the impact of their second-year superstar Victor Wembanyama.
After making the first NBA All-Star game of his career and being on track to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, the Spurs revealed heartbreaking news about Wemby.
The 21-year-old star is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. As a result, the Spurs had to rely on Bismack Biyombo as their starting center against the Phoenix Suns.
Fans questioned the Spurs offering a 10-day contract to Biyombo a couple of weeks ago. However, the decision saved the organization as they are currently in need of a veteran center.
Biyombo, who is playing the 14th season of his NBA career earned praise from Spurs’ stand-in head coach Mitch Johnson following an impressive game against the Suns.
“He was a complete professional, he was an adult, he set a tone to start the game and he was excellent. It’s something that we’ve been looking for throughout the season, screening, pressure with rolling, and rebounding, and he did those things in spades,” Johnson said of Biyombo.
He added: “He’s been doing those things for many years. When you get a guy off the couch, technically like that, when he has his business card and he’s doing it like that, you aren’t surprised.”
Biyombo last played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023-24 NBA season. Considering the Spurs’ current roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 32-year-old stays with the team, at least until the end of this season.
While Biyombo is not an All-Star caliber player by any means, he’s what the Spurs need the most right now – A defensive-minded rebounder.
With Wemby out for the season, the scoring load will likely be shared among De’Aaron Fox, Chris Paul, and Stephon Castle.
However, as far as the defensive end of the floor is concerned, Biyombo and Jeremy Sochan’s combination will be key for the team.
It was proven against the Suns. In just 16 minutes, Biyombo registered 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Spurs. He also shot a perfect 4-of-4 from the field.