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Stan Van Gundy, former NBA head coach and current announcer of league games on Amazon Prime Video, suggested that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s nickname should be changed.
Wembanyama is known as “Alien” due to his slim 7-foot-3-inch frame combined with his skills on the basketball court. The Spurs were facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and play-by-play man Michael Grady talked about Wembanyama.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) stands courtside in front of film crews after playing in an NBA Cup semifinal basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)
Grady said the “Alien” nickname matched Wembanyama. But Van Gundy was quick to ask for a change.
“The only thing is, in today’s political climate, you have to be careful with that word, Michael Grady,” Van Gundy said. “They are deported. We don’t want Victor Wembanyama to be deported. Let’s go with a different nickname.”
Grady laughed.
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA TEASES DRAYMOND GREEN AFTER GETTING PHYSICAL, WETTING ON HIM
“NBA on Prime” analyst Stan Van Gundy at a press conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
Van Gundy was a staunch critic of President Donald Trump during his first term. As head coach of the Detroit Pistons, Van Gundy criticized those who voted for him.
San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City, 111-109. The Spurs handed the Thunder their second loss of the season.
Wembanyama, who only played 21 minutes when he returned to action from a calf strain, scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Devin Vassell led the team with 23 points. De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle also scored 22 points.
The Spurs improved to 18-7 with the win and will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Final.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) lands on the court during the second half of an NBA Cup semifinal basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)
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The Thunder fell to 24-2.
