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Tom Orsborn: Bismack Biyombo was blown away by how many of his teammates and others in the organization attended his gala to raise money to ease suffering in the DR Congo: “It’s a different thing when you hear about the Spurs organization and when you experience it. They do things different. They show up.”
Keldon Johnson jumped to his feet to let out one of his trademark full-throated roars after he issued the winning $15,000 bid for a painting of Muhammad Ali by a young Congolese artist at the Bismack Biyombo Foundation's fundraising gala Friday night. "Keldon bids like he plays - loud and proud," the event's emcee, Spurs TV voice Jacob Tobey, said.
Several other players, including Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, showed up to support Biyombo. Others in attendance included coach Mitch Johnson and several of his assistants, general manager Brian Wright, franchise CEO R.C. Buford, Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt and Spurs shareholder Charlie Amato. Wembanayama was one of the first players to arrive. "I actually did not speak to Vic about this," Biyombo said. "I just sent (invitations out) in a group text message, and he just showed up. And the first thing he did was give me this big hug, a full of smile, and I got somewhat emotional and said, "Man, thank you.' ... But that's who Vic is, man."
Johnson said he wasn't surprised that so many members of the team showed up to support Biyombo. "He's been the ultimate teammate, the ultimate leader for us in the locker room," Johnson said.
"We're brothers," Johnson said. "And this is what brothers do. Brothers show up for each other. ... We're a close-knit group and I feel like we're not afraid to show that. We just continue to show our love for each other and show how much we support each other - on and off the court. "...I had a wonderful night, and being able to give back in any way I can for Bis and his people means more than anything in the world to me."
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Maxime Aubin: "You see the bond between Victor Wembanyama and Bismack Biyombo. They share that bond because they’re from the same roots, basically. Between that and what you see on the floor, you can witness him helping and teaching him what it takes to make it to the playoffs and make a big run. Definitely, I think it helps a lot. Especially Bismack, he’s a great guy. I speak a lot with him because, you know, he speaks French. I think he's really important for Wemby and everything this year. In terms of other French players, I know that Nando [De Colo] was maybe supposed to sign for the Spurs, and it didn't happen. I was so enthusiastic about having him because this guy is just an amazing human being, a great player, and the captain of the French national team. But great for him that he signed with the Bulls and he's doing good there."
Josh Lewenberg: In just 48 games, Mamu already has more win shares (3.6) than any Raptors free agent signing since Biyombo more than a decade ago. The lowest of bars, but imagine where this team would be without him, especially in light of Poeltl's injury. Another gem tonight (16 pts in 20 mins)
Michael Scotto: San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo will make the team, sources told @hoopshype. Biyombo enters his 15th NBA season. The 33-year-old center was a strong veteran locker room presence who started 26 of 28 games and averaged 5.1 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Spurs last season
Keith Smith: Bismack Biyombo waived his implicit no-trade clause in his new Exhibit 9 deal with the San Antonio Spurs, a league source told @spotrac .
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Michael Scotto: The San Antonio Spurs are signing center Bismack Biyombo to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, league sources told @hoopshype . Biyombo averaged 5.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 28 games for the Spurs last season. ESPN first reported an agreement between both sides.
Shams Charania: Free agent center Bismack Biyombo has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN. Spurs and Biyombo's agents at Wasserman reached a new contract for his 15th NBA season. Biyombo averaged 5.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 28 games last season.
With his homeland facing a humanitarian crisis due to a decades-long conflict that has been made worse by the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its many assistance programs that help the Congo, Bismack Biyombo has concerns that go way beyond basketball. "I think right now there is a little over two million refugees," Biyombo, 32, said of the crisis in the eastern part of the DRC. "I have visited them and have seen the conditions they are living in. It's very critical. And that's with the very little aid they were receiving. Now imagine without that little aid what that is going to do."
