Around the Beat: Wemby's Betting Stance, the Lineup Debate…

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Saturday, October 3

Three threads run through this week's Spurs coverage: Victor Wembanyama's stance on betting sponsors, a three-guard lineup idea tied to assistant coach Billy Donovan, and camp pairings pulled from practice footage. None of it changes what the roster already shows: the season is still 0-0.

Spurs Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What is Wembanyama saying about betting companies?

ESPN and The Athletic both reported that Victor Wembanyama has declined to promote betting or prediction-market sponsors, telling The Athletic it is "very sad" to see players endorse them. Pounding The Rock framed it as a character note. Nothing about his contract or workload is tied to the stance; it is a public position, not a basketball decision.

Is a three-guard lineup actually coming?

The Spot Up Shot reported that assistant coach Billy Donovan ran successful three-guard looks in Oklahoma City years ago and suggested Fox, Harper and a shooting wing could echo that in San Antonio. Both Fox and Harper are on the camp roster, but neither has played a game yet, so Air Alamo's Fox-or-Harper framing has no on-court answer so far.

How is Harper's game translating for the coaching staff?

Air Alamo reported that growth in Dylan Harper's jump shot could open a two-man game alongside Wembanyama. That is a projection from camp observation, not a confirmed rotation choice. Harper is still a rookie guard with no regular-season minutes on record.

What is actually working in camp reps so far?

The Spot Up Shot described Wembanyama and Tobias Harris building a high-low connection and Stephon Castle working the halfcourt with fellow UConn product Tarris Reed Jr. Air Alamo separately flagged Reed Jr.'s skill set as a complement to Wembanyama. All three are on the roster; none of it has shown up in a game.

Does any of this change the lineup picture?

Not yet. The betting stance, the guard debate and the camp pairings all sit outside the one fact that will settle any of it: games played. The Spurs are still 0-0, and the preseason opener is October 8.

The verdictThe beat is debating lineups and character notes while the Spurs sit at 0-0; none of it carries weight until October 8.

Is Victor Wembanyama going to appear in betting ads?

No. ESPN and The Athletic both reported he has declined to promote betting or prediction-market sponsors.

Will the Spurs actually play three guards together this season?

It has been floated by The Spot Up Shot as a Billy Donovan-inspired idea, not confirmed by the team, and Fox and Harper have yet to share the floor in a game.