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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 02: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Spurs defeated the Suns 132-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are ahead of schedule. And the entire NBA should be frightened. Indeed, as Halloween quickly approaches, it’s not werewolves or vampires that should put fear in the hearts of the rest of pro basketball. No, it’s the 21-year-old, 7-foot-5 Frenchman who plays in south Texas. Through three games (read: wins) this season, Wemby isn’t looking timid. He isn’t looking young. He isn’t looking like he’s suffering an ounce of imposture syndrome. No, he’s looking like the MVP of the league, averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and a whopping six blocks per game. The man they call “The Alien” has, well, landed. But what does this mean for his San Antonio Spurs? The franchise, which has won five titles in its history, is putting a very young team on the court this year. While it has some veteran talent in players like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox, the foundation of the squad is Wemby and its other two recent lottery picks, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Some might advise the Spurs to tap the brakes. They might say, It’s okay, you’re young, stick to the plan. But that’s not Wemby’s mentality, nor should it be San Antonio’s. “It feels like it’s time to move on to our next step and we need to make a statement,” said Wemby after trouncing the Dallas Mavericks in the team’s opening game on Wednesday. “Because we’re all tired of losing. That’s the truth.” SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a basket against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 01, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Getty Images MORE FOR YOU Against the Mavs, a roster built with size and a defensive mindset, Wembanyama scored 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. The next game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he scored 29 points, had 11 rebounds and blocked nine shots. The Spurs earned their third win on Sunday against the lowly Brooklyn Nets as Wemby tallied 31 points with 14 boards. These are MVP numbers. And if you have an MVP-caliber player, you go all-in to win. Just as the Seattle Mariners, who saw their catcher Cal Raleigh put up historic numbers this year. What did the franchise do? They went out and traded for top talent, which the Ms rode to the seventh game of the ALCS, just a few outs from their first ever World Series appearance. We see this situation in business often. A company plans and plans, they have a clear idea of their future. But then… Bam! They take off ahead of schedule. They offer a product or service that is unmatched and they rise quicker than expected. Of course, it can be a tricky situation to balance, but if done correctly, it can lead to big wins. In the NBA, we’ve seen young talent succeed. Magic Johnson was a rookie when he led his Los Angeles Lakers to the title in 1980. Larry Bird was in his second season when he won his first title in Boston. Winning can happen before you expect it. In business, there can be important warning signs about growth when it comes too fast, from chaos to high turnover, but then there are times when you must seize the moment. Basketball: NBA Finals: Boston Celtics Larry Bird (33) in action, defense vs Los Angeles Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson (32) during game at Boston Garden. Game 1. Boston, MA 5/27/1985 CREDIT: Manny Millan (Photo by Manny Millan /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X31552 ) Sports Illustrated via Getty Images Writing in Forbes, contributor Krishna Kumar warns about “internal obstacles,” or those self-imposed limitations that can do more to hurt than help. Kumar offers, “Self-limiting forces, such as reliving the memory of our past failures or apprehensions about what the future might bring, can inhibit us from delivering our best performance.” The Spurs should fear those internal obstacles. In both sports and business, it’s easy to lean into your potential. It’s easy to think that next year is our year. But nothing in either field is guaranteed—sure things in business fall all the time, All-Stars succumb to any number of ailments, including injury. Indeed, if your window of success is open, then don’t be shy. It’s something Wembanyama, for all his youth, can sense now, too. “I saw what it's like to be confronted with potentially losing a lot, whether it's your career or your health," said the center, who missed half of last season with blood clot issues. “I’m not taking this for granted anymore.” Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
