Jason Whitlock blames Gregg Popovich for Victor Wembanyama's Finals behavior
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:56 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs faced criticism during the 2026 NBA Finals for his conduct on and off the court, which some attribute to former coach Gregg Popovich. Analyst Jason Whitlock, on his podcast, stated that Popovich's influence led to Wembanyama's uncharacteristic actions, including walking off without acknowledging Knicks players after Game 5. The Spurs lost the series to the New York Knicks in five games. Wembanyama will seek to respond to this adversity in the upcoming season after a series of contentious moments and public backlash.
- •Spurs lost to Knicks in the NBA Finals, 4-1.
- •Critics focused on Wembanyama's behavior throughout the series.
- •Whitlock attributes Wembanyama's issues to Popovich's influence.
- •Wembanyama did not shake hands after Game 5.
- •Mitch Johnson succeeded Popovich as head coach for the 2025-26 season.
- 5:56 AMYahoo Sports — Jason Whitlock slams Gregg Popovich for turning Victor Wembanyama into ‘cheap’ anti-American star
- 2:22 AMYahoo Sports — ’I Blame Gregg Popovich’ — NBA Analyst Blames Spurs Legend for Turning Victor Wembanyama Into ’Anti-America Crybaby’
"San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been hearing it from critics around the sports world for his behavior both on and off the court during the 2026 NBA Finals, which the Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in five games. While most have been pointing fingers at Wembanyama and his underwhelming co-star De’Aaron Fox, one longtime sports voice is aiming his angst toward former Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
"Victor Wembanyama’s first NBA Finals run changed the way some commentators talked about him, and Jason Whitlock turned that shift into a direct attack on Gregg Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs star entered the postseason with the profile of the league’s next clean superstar.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 5:56 AMJason Whitlock slams Gregg Popovich for turning Victor Wembanyama into ‘cheap’ anti-American star
Victor Wembanyama’s first NBA Finals run changed the way some commentators talked about him, and Jason Whitlock turned that shift into a direct attack on Gregg Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs star entered the postseason with the profile of the league’s next clean superstar.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 2:22 AM’I Blame Gregg Popovich’ — NBA Analyst Blames Spurs Legend for Turning Victor Wembanyama Into ’Anti-America Crybaby’
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been hearing it from critics around the sports world for his behavior both on and off the court during the 2026 NBA Finals, which the Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in five games. While most have been pointing fingers at Wembanyama and his underwhelming co-star De’Aaron Fox, one longtime sports voice is aiming his angst toward former Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
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