NBA Legends Awestruck by Wembanyama's Warmup

Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony watch in amazement as the Spurs' phenom prepares to dominate.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Before the San Antonio Spurs faced the Houston Rockets, NBA legends Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony were captivated by Victor Wembanyama's pregame warmup routine. The trio of Hall of Famers couldn't help but watch in awe as the 7'4" Spurs rookie showcased his elite shooting touch and defensive instincts. Wembanyama then went on to lead the Spurs to a blowout victory, further impressing the veteran commentators with his unique skillset.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's transcendent talent has drawn the attention of basketball's biggest names, who recognize the 19-year-old as a generational prospect. The fact that seasoned stars like McGrady, Carter, and Anthony were captivated by Wembanyama's warmup routine underscores just how special of a player he is, and the impact he could have on the league for years to come.

The details

In the pregame warmups, Wembanyama displayed his smooth shooting stroke, knocking down multiple three-pointers in front of the watching legends. He also showcased his defensive prowess, lurking in the paint and swatting shots with ease. Once the game started, Wembanyama continued to dominate, scoring the Spurs' first eight points and finishing with 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. The Spurs as a team put on an offensive clinic, recording 38 assists and shooting 58% from the field in the blowout win.

  • Wembanyama scored the Spurs' first 8 points to start the game.
  • At the halftime buzzer, Wembanyama hit a three-pointer from the logo.
  • In the third quarter, Wembanyama threw down a two-handed reverse dunk in transition.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'4" rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs, considered a generational talent and potential future superstar of the NBA.

Tracy McGrady

A Hall of Fame NBA player and current NBC basketball analyst, known for his prolific scoring ability during his playing career.

Vince Carter

A Hall of Fame NBA player and current NBC basketball analyst, renowned for his high-flying dunks and all-around game.

Carmelo Anthony

A future Hall of Fame NBA player and current NBC basketball analyst, one of the most prolific scorers of his era.

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What they’re saying

“He does a lot of things, especially in that moment, that are not taught. We may discuss nuances in the moment... when he is in a stance and he is turned on mentally, he's able to do multiple things at once, and it can make it really hard.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Assistant Coach (SI.com)

“It was a lot.”

— Carmelo Anthony (SI.com)

“These guys are trustworthy. I can trust them to make the right play. I can trust them to play unselfishly. And I can trust that anybody here can choose that if they do the effort, the efforts, like my teammates, will do the right choice, and we'll capitalize on it.”

— Victor Wembanyama (SI.com)

What’s next

The Spurs will continue their homestand, hosting the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Charlotte Hornets in the coming days.

The takeaway

Victor Wembanyama's transcendent talent has captivated the basketball world, with even the game's all-time greats like McGrady, Carter, and Anthony left in awe of the young phenom's unique skillset. Wembanyama's dominance, combined with the Spurs' impressive team performance, suggests San Antonio may have found the cornerstone to build their next championship contender around.