Fans of the Spurs gathered together at the AT&T Center on Thursday to celebrate the selection of French phenom Victor Wembanyama for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
While the selection of Wembanyama excited Spurs fans, it was old hat for most NBA aficionados, who had long presumed that the center would be the No. 1 pick.
Instead, NBA fans took notice of something else as footage of the Spurs watch party was broadcast on ESPN. That was the team's mascot.
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The Spurs mascot, The Coyote, drew a lot of reaction on social media from fans and media analysts alike. The general consensus? The mascot is more than a bit scary — and at the very least, underdressed.
Here's what to know about the San Antonio Spurs mascot as he took center stage at the team's watch party.
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What is the Spurs mascot?
The Spurs mascot is simply known as The Coyote. He has been around since 1983, following the team's move from Dallas to San Antonio, and officially debuted on April 13 of that year.
The Coyote was created by Tim Derk, who performed in the role for the first 21 years of existence. He is credited with having invented the T-shirt cannon and honed the mascot's slapstick comedy routines that highlighted his in-game antics.
However, The Coyote is best known across the NBA for catching bats that occasionally find their way into the AT&T Center. Notably, he captured a rogue during a game in 2019 while clad in a Batman costume.
Of course, The Coyote's outfit was part of what drew attention to him on Thursday. He was wearing a Victor Wembanyama jersey at the party, but many observers noted that he wasn't as well-clothed below the waste.
I need the spurs mascot to please put on pants
— Anna Maria Tarullo (@tarullotweets) June 23, 2023
The Spurs mascot could definitely wear some sort of pants/shorts pic.twitter.com/erow2V0zgi
— John Ellis (@FakeJohnEllis) June 23, 2023
the spurs mascot should wear pants
— Shane McNichol (@OnTheShaneTrain) June 23, 2023
Tell the spurs mascot to get some pants 🤣 #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/0llkYbH9xp
— Christian Pedersen (@cpedersen22) June 23, 2023
Somebody find that @spurs mascot some pants. The vibes were too weird 🤣
— Ryan Hurst (@TheRyanHurst) June 23, 2023
Others were less worried about The Coyote's clothing choice and were simply terrified by his overall appearance.
that Spurs mascot simply does not sit right with me
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) June 23, 2023
Good lord that Spurs mascot is terrifying.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 23, 2023
Spurs mascot is the scariest mascot, right?
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) June 23, 2023
spurs mascot looks even creepier with a too-long jersey that catches on his tail
— jess (@jessichords) June 23, 2023
Therapist: The Spurs’ mascot’s eyes aren’t real. They can’t hurt you.
— Kendall (@_kendallrjones_) June 23, 2023
The Spurs’ mascot’s eyes: pic.twitter.com/09OBVPJz5H
Certainly, The Coyote is a bit unsettling and has the appearance of a loose cannon. But that's part of what allows him to rile up the crowd and strike some fear into opposing teams.
MORE: Would Victor Wembanyama go before LeBron in an all-time No. 1 pick draft?
Other notable moments from Spurs watch party
Of course, The Coyote wasn't the only thing that drew attention at the Spurs' watch party. The presence of ESPN's Marty Smith as a hype-man also captured the imagination of NBA fans, who were equally amused and confused by the host's Wembanyama and ESPN-themed haircut.
Mr. Joe Barber is renowned for carving @spurs players likenesses into fans’ haircuts for more than 15 years.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) June 22, 2023
I went to see him. pic.twitter.com/1hiWpUTmzs
And, of course, the night was ultimately punctuated by the Spurs selecting Wembanyama, who is regarded as one of the best draft prospects in NBA history.
Now, Wembanyama will look to live up to expectations. And soon, Spurs fans will look to see if the French star can turn San Antonio into "Wembantonio," as Smith pontificated in his final pump-up speech on ESPN.
If you think the Marty Smith outfit is something, wait 'til you see the haircut. 🏀🤠💈📺 #NBADraft #Wemby #Spurs #Jorts pic.twitter.com/LuEeZmeYXK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 23, 2023