Rockets Star Takes Shot At Spurs Getting Overrated By Media

Getty

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Injured Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet went out of his way to fire a shot at the San Antonio Spurs due to their current praise from the media. San Antonio has thrived behind Victor Wembanyama’s superstar play to lock down the second seed in the stacked Western Conference. However, VanVleet is not happy about the Spurs already getting respect before proving anything in the playoffs.

The following quote came from VanVleet’s podcast:

“Have they won a playoff series? Everybody slow the f**k down. It’s a marathon. Not a sprint. They’re having a good year but what’s the finish line though? It’s easy to say all this in the moment. Being 100, they beat our ass. But anybody in the media taking victory laps when we was just beating they ass.”

VanVleet questioned if the young Spurs roster will be able to compete in the playoffs against the top teams with high stakes. De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes are the only main rotation players with strong experience on their side. Wembanyama will have to play like a superstar in his first postseason by competing against names like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards leading their teams.

Spurs Must Prove History & VanVleet Wrong

Few young NBA teams have a deep playoff run in their first playoff appearance with the core roster. The Oklahoma City Thunder recently won the NBA Championship in their second season together as contenders, but they had a similar season to San Antonio one year prior.

A top seed in the previous season showed high expectations for the Thunder until they got knocked off in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks. At least one season of gaining that postseason experience is usually needed before a young roster looks ready to seriously contend for an NBA Championship.

Wembanyama and other Spurs stars have talked about the goal being to win a title. VanVleet doesn’t appreciate the media supporting San Antonio and giving them the benefit of the doubt before they prove anything in the playoffs.

Why Fred VanVleet Is Getting Criticized

VanVleet has not played at all this season due to the torn ACL coming shortly before the season started. Houston badly misses the only point guard on their roster, and they have had a season of mixed results. Spurs fans and general NBA fans have questioned VanVleet talking since his team is struggling without him on the court.

Kevin Durant’s controversial burner account story and the Rockets struggling to remain consistent makes it easier to criticize them. VanVleet went after a popular team overachieving from their original expectations and taking a big leap into contention faster than anyone expected with his comments.

Houston falling over seven games behind San Antonio is a bad look for any Rockets going out of their way to talk about the Spurs. VanVleet should have let the playoffs back up his point instead of complaining about the media praising a team having a great season. A playoff battle between San Antonio and Houston could see VanVleet playing since he’s not ruling out a return just yet.

Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford