Victor Wembanyama nickname comes under scrutiny for strange reasons

Stan Van Gundy, former NBA head coach and current streamer of the league’s games on Amazon Prime Video, suggested that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama should change his nickname.

Wembanyama is nicknamed “Alien” due to his slim 7-foot-3 frame combined with his abilities on the basketball court. The Spurs were facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and playmaker Michael Grady talked about Wembanyama.

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Grady said the nickname “Alien” was in keeping with Wembanyama. But Van Gundy was quick to call for a change.

“The only thing is, in today’s political environment, you have to be careful of that word, Michael Grady,” Van Gundy said. “They’re kicking them out. We don’t want Victor Wembanyama kicked out. Let’s use a different nickname.”

Grady laughed at that.

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“NBA on Prime” analyst Stan Van Gundy during a press conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Van Gundy was a vocal critic of President Donald Trump during his first term. As head coach of the Detroit Pistons, Van Gundy tore into those who voted for him.

San Antonio defeated Oklahoma City, 111-109. The Spurs handed the Thunder their second defeat of the season.

Wembanyama, who played just 21 minutes while returning 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 meet the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Finals.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) lands on the court during the second half of an NBA Cup semifinals 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.