Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft, has concluded his first and likely only Summer League experience with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have decided to sit him out for the remaining games in Las Vegas after seeing all they needed from the promising young talent.
Wembanyama’s performance in his two Summer League games showcased his potential and provided a glimpse of what’s to come. In a total of 54 minutes on the court, the 19-year-old from France recorded impressive numbers, including 36 points, 20 rebounds, eight blocks, and three assists. Although he shot 41% from the field, his impact extended beyond the stat sheet.
The Spurs had always planned to limit Wembanyama’s playing time during Summer League, and now they have the opportunity to allocate those minutes to evaluate other players. As Wembanyama reflects on his experience, he recognizes the importance of the upcoming months, which will undoubtedly shape his future.
“I’m going to sit down with the Spurs to know what the next months are going to be like,” Wembanyama expressed after his final Summer League game. “I just know I’ve got two to three great months coming, and they’re going to change my life.”
The decision to shut down Wembanyama for the remaining Summer League games allows the 19-year-old to take a much-needed break. His last professional season in France concluded nearly a year ago, and he has had a hectic schedule since then. The Spurs believe that granting him rest and time to reset will ensure he is fully prepared for training camp, starting in early October, and the grueling 82-game regular season.
“In the past month, I think basketball wasn’t even 50% of my schedule,” Wembanyama shared. “I just want to hoop. I just want to work out because this is my life. Every first pick goes through this, and it just makes me better for the future.”
Wembanyama’s Summer League stint in Las Vegas has been nothing short of a whirlwind for the Spurs. His debut game garnered immense attention and boasted a sold-out crowd, while his second game, although less spectacular, still drew significant interest. Additionally, the announcement of Gregg Popovich’s five-year contract extension as coach and president of the Spurs further boosted the excitement surrounding the team.
The news of Popovich’s continuation delighted Wembanyama, who sees it as the start of something great for the Spurs. As he eagerly awaits his first full NBA season, the young talent has received accolades from teammates, opponents, and basketball legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West.
Wembanyama’s remarkable performance in Las Vegas left a lasting impression. Although his Summer League journey ends prematurely, it is evident that he possesses the skills and potential to make a significant impact in the NBA. With ample time to prepare for the upcoming season, Wembanyama’s focus now shifts to honing his abilities and becoming an even greater asset to the Spurs.
San Antonio guard Blake Wesley sums up the sentiments surrounding Wembanyama’s Summer League experience, stating, “He’s amazing. He’s an amazing person on and off the court.” As the 19-year-old phenom looks ahead to his future in the NBA, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate witnessing his growth and development in the years to come.