Eventually, the buzz died down in Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs Summer League debut. Then, reality hit.
took the court at Thomas & Mack Center and was introduced to the sold-out crowd on Friday night.
There were gasps when the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft last month displayed the incredible athleticism in his 7-foot-3 1/2 frame, nearly threw down a baseline dunk with cartoonishly long strides or handled the ball in the open court. Wembanyama, who has been hailed as the best prospect since LeBron James, struggled against strength and quickness.He shot an airball on a contested 3-pointer and seemed fatigued in the second half.
Wembanyama finished with nine points on 2-for-13 shooting, eight rebounds and five blocks in 27 minutes. As wondrous and unique as Wembanyama may be, he is entering the unknown. Not even James faced pressure this extensive.There were even a few brief, but audible, “overrated” chants Friday. It is young and rebuilding. Wembanyama is unlikely to make the playoffs as a rookie, although that hasn’t changed his mindset. “I’m gonna [do] everything to win as many games as possible,” he told ESPN before the draft. “I’m trying to win a ring ASAP, so be ready.” He has handled the intense media scrutiny well, showing impressive maturity, and his decision to skip the FIBA World Cup later this summer to better prepare himself for his rookie year makes sense.
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