Energy but a lack of success: the French prodigy Victor Wembanyama made a contrasting copy for his first in the Spurs jersey, Friday in the Summer League in Las Vegas, despite the victory against Charlotte (76-68) in front of spectators who only had eyes for him. The 19-year-old Frenchman, drafted number 1 by San Antonio on June 22, scored 9 points and collected 8 rebounds in 27 minutes for his first game with the Texas franchise.
But the former Mets de Boulogne-Levallois was struggling on shots, achieving a 2/13 (1/6 at three points). On the other hand, he was more to his advantage in defense, inflicting five counterattacks, well helped by his immense size (2.24m). “It was a special moment to wear this shirt for the first time. I dreamed of a victory and I had it, “savored Victor Wembanyama in a press conference. The start of the game was difficult for the inside, however, who missed his first three attempts before scoring his first basket after a few minutes, causing the room to roar.
???? Wemby for his first under the colors of the @spurs 9 PTS / 8 REB / 3 AST 5 BLK 2-13 FG The @spurs win 76-68 against the Hornets
It must be said that a real “Wembamania” accompanied his first steps in the United States: posters, flocked jerseys of his number 1, interviews… “Wemby” is the main attraction of the Summer League and is considered the most great hope since a certain LeBron James, who readily calls him an “alien”. This summer tournament is an opportunity for NBA franchises to launch their new recruits, to field young players in the making or veterans looking for a contract.
The last few weeks up to this game have in any case been a source of stress for the Yvelines giant, from praise from superstars like James to his selection by Spurs deemed obvious, to dinners with legends of San Antonio: Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Manu Ginobili or his compatriot Tony Parker, who brought glory to the Texas franchise. Until the recent Britney Spears affair. The singer says she was slapped by a bodyguard of the player when she “tapped him on the shoulder” to “congratulate him on his success” at the entrance to a hotel restaurant .
“I feel like I really need the rest I’m going to have soon. I will take this opportunity to work on my preparation for the next season. For me, the real premiere will be in October,” he projected. For these reasons, the interior told the staff of the French team that he was declining the opportunity to play the World Cup in August. Just over three months away from his regular season debut, Victor Wembanyama has yet to show the extent of his talent. And after this mixed introduction, his gestures will be scrutinized, his statistics dissected, his attitude analyzed. This is already the life of Victor, an NBA attraction even before he played there.
