Three Standout Spurs Media Day observations
Three particular things stood out during Spurs' Media day
The San Antonio Spurs held media day at the Victory Capital Performance Center on Monday, September 30th. There was lots of chaos ensuing as media asked Spurs players questions, had first looks of the Spurs team in uniform, and held one-on-one interviews. Despite all of the movement and traffic going on in the morning, three notable things stood out the most.
Keldon Johnson had a dramatic physical transformation
“Big body” was the endearing nickname that was given to Johnson by Spurs fans throughout his tenure with the team, but the name has a new meaning to it. Undeniably, an NBA athlete performing at the highest level has to be in great physical condition on a constant basis. However, Johnson looks a lot leaner now, and you can see more muscle definition in his body. Also, his facial hair was freshly groomed, and on the eye test alone, you could assume he isn’t cutting any corners with his physical appearance.
In the past, Johnson would always answer questions in regards to his favorite “cheat meals”, and most notably, he loved eating fried chicken. This season, however, he refused to answer questions in regards to cheat meals and said he was 100% focused on being a better athlete to perform better for his team.
This new Keldon is making it clear- he is not cheating the process when it comes to his physicality. Although he was mum about how much weight he lost and his overall diet, it has been widely reported Johnson added boxing conditioning to his regimen.
Victor Wembanyama towers over Chris Paul
Another standout media day moment was during Victor Wembanyama’s jersey photoshoot. NBA veteran and new Spurs player Chris Paul emerged to take photos with Wemby, and the size differential was massive.
Wemby, who stands at 7’4, towered over Paul, who is 6’0. Paul is notably the shortest teammate on the roster at the moment, and the videos went viral across social media.
Video: Spurfect/Carolina Teague @CTtheMicSlayer on X and @Carolinateaguesports TikTok/IG
Victor Wembanyama is 25 pounds heavier
One of the biggest criticisms Wemby faced during his rookie season was his weight. Many critics said he needed to gain more, as he was much smaller last year. This year, he went up in weight to 235 lbs, per the Spurs’ official training camp roster, a 25 pound difference from his first season, in which he weighed 210 lbs.
Wembanyama commented on his weight gain:
“I would say its a natural process, you know, it’s important to work in a weight that’s good for your body. And respect the body’s identity I would say. We really put an emphasis on getting strength and like, core strength. Not gaining weight necessarily, but weight will come with strength. So, it’s just a result of the the good work all summer. I’m really satisfied with the summer we just had.”