Basketball: Victor Wembanyama sets the record straight with Spurs after a failed first game

2023-07-10 09:44:24

The days go by and are not alike for Victor Wembanyama, 19, in his discovery of American basketball. After a mixed first contact on Friday for his Summer League debut in his new San Antonio Spurs jersey, the No. 1 in the draft corrected the situation for his second appearance on the Las Vegas floor, the scene of the competition. And how !

Despite the defeat of his franchise against Portland (85-80), the French made a sheet of stats much more convincing than two days earlier. The former Metropolitans 92 player distinguished himself in the Thomas & Mack Center with 27 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes of play. The tricolor international, author of three counterattacks, was much more precise than during his timid first not against Charlotte (9/14 on shots against 2/13).

In less than 48 hours, Wemby, who had conceded that he felt “a little lost”, has already changed the minds of those who were already wondering about the difficulties of adapting to the North American league… “Here in Summer League, there is more space on the floor (compared to the Betclic Élite), more talent too, I prefer, ”explains the French star.

“I still have to learn everything”

Saturday, during a communication operation with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (best player in the league in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), the interior had mentioned his adaptation. “I’m just a rookie, I still have to learn everything. I didn’t really know what I was doing (during the first game), and the next games I probably won’t know either… It will come with time, he explained. I’m like a kid right now, but I’m ready to learn. »

Wembanyama has all summer to progress but also manage himself. “I feel that I really need a rest,” said the man who decided to skip the World Cup with the Blues. “For me the real first, it will be in October (for the launch of the NBA season),” he says greedily.

Very good second Summer League game for Victor Wembanyama ????????????

27 PTS
12 REB
3 BLK
9/14 FGs
7/12 FTs

The qualities are e-vi-dentes ???? pic.twitter.com/7VcSfeF58O

— 50 Nuances ???????????? (@50NuancesDeNBA) July 10, 2023

The signal sent by Spurs with the extension of legendary coach Gregg Popovich for the next five seasons has been received. “It’s a sign from him and from the franchise that they are counting on this project”, appreciates Wembanyama.