Blake Wesley has a lot to prove, so why can’t he?

Blake Wesley, late in his second season with the San Antonio Spurs, was the victim of one of his coach’s many “Gregg Popovich-isms.”

A native of Notre Dame, the point guard had considerable potential. He stood 6’3″ and had a sense of defense, which was arguably the most important element of his game. Whether it was intercepting passes or jumping in front of defenders on the help, he mastered that aspect of the game.

The other half? As a leader?

He was, as Popovich would say, still learning how to play.

“He understands what’s expected of a point guard at this level, and he’s getting better,” the coach said of him and his development in Year 2.

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Wesley didn’t fill up the stat sheets night in and night out like a star NBA point guard would, but he also possessed an energy and spark that allowed him to be part of Popovich’s rotation for two seasons of minimal production.

And — as his goals show — he only gets better.

“It all started in the weight room,” Wesley said midway through the season of his defensive improvements. “I gained 10 pounds over the summer. That really helped me get through screens. When guys are rushing me, I can stand my ground and contain myself.”

In a way, the Spurs did the same with the way Wesley performed on the court, which was to say, without faltering. Spending last season at the bottom of the age group, but also in the Western Conference, made for a difficult season in all areas.

Not only did newcomer Victor Wembanyama have to learn to play with his teammates, but his teammates had to learn to play with him. Wesley was no exception, but in the few minutes he got, he showed he was capable of it.

It was one of the main reasons his minutes kept coming.

“Wesley is someone who gets better with playing time,” Popovich said. “It’s tough to play very few minutes and look like you’re getting better, but he’s playing enough now that he can make decisions and learn that … the decision should have been different, or it was a great decision.”

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As Wesley continues to learn, he’ll look to be as productive as possible for the Spurs, especially as they continue to navigate their point guard situation. And while it’s likely Stephon Castle who has the most to learn from new veteran Chris Paul, Wesley isn’t taking that opportunity for granted.

“I’m excited, man,” he said. “He’s a great guy. We worked out with him not too long ago at Summer League… I’m enjoying it so far, and I’m looking forward to learning and gaining knowledge.”

But while he still has a lot to learn, he’s not in danger of losing his spot just yet. Year three isn’t a make-or-break year for the point guard, especially with Paul essentially a rental. And as far as his teammates go, he still has a lot to show in San Antonio.

“I just tried to tell him to stay ready and be patient,” Spurs point guard Tre Jones said. “When we call him, he’s ready and he gives us a huge spark.”

The extent of that spark extends beyond his play on the field. While he’ll spend time learning individually, Wesley will also continue to work on being a “good teammate” — the trait he said was one of the most impressive on last year’s team.

Needless to say, he likes the position of the Silver & Black.

“I feel like we’re going to surprise a lot of people. We still have a lot of doubters and people sleeping on us,” Wesley said. “We want people to sleep on us because that’s only going to motivate us, especially me.”

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So, with a potential roster spot waiting for him as Spurs enter the second year of their Victor Wembanyama era, Wesley will be ready. Spurs have a lot to prove as a team, but also individually.

Wesley is no exception. He too knows where he can make the most progress.

And he will seek to achieve them.

“Every time I step on the court, I don’t take it for granted,” the point guard said. “One little thing can change everything, so I pray and put God first.”

“The third year is going to be an important year. I’m excited and I’m ready to get to work.”