And that's perfectly fine. In fact, the NBA probably loves Wembanyama's one-sided bickering with Holmgren. And hopes the other party joins in sooner or later. After all, NBA fans love its theatrics almost as much as it loves the actual games being played.

Shaquille O'Neal discusses going up against Victor Wembanyama in his prime and how he would put the stops on him.

Stan Van Gundy on wants a new nickname for Victor Wembanyama, not ‘The Alien’: “The only thing is, in the current political environment, you gotta watch that word. They deport those. We do not want Victor Wembanyama deported. Let’s go with a different nickname.” Thoughts?… pic.twitter.com/a69156SPxb

Wembanyama last played during an NBA Cup Group C game against the Golden State Warriors on November 14. An MRI later confirmed a left calf strain, announced by the Spurs on November 17. San Antonio stayed careful, following league-wide trends around calf injuries.

Recently, ESPN p roposed a trade idea that would see Wembanyama teamed up with Dallas Mavericks power forward Anthony Davis. In the deal, the Spurs would get Davis, the Mavericks would get Harrison Barnes, Luke Kornet, Keldon Johnson, and multiple second-round picks, and the Chicago Bulls would get Naji Marshall.

They had a 111-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals. Anytime OKC loses, the entire NBA world celebrates. Missing 12 games, Victor Wembanyama ensured he'd be back for this matchup — even if it meant under restricted minutes.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses the media following Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals.