Prodigy Victor Wembanyama, eagerly awaited for his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs, put on a show for his first pre-season match, lost (122-121) against Oklahoma City on Monday away. In just under 20 minutes of play, the number one from the last Draft in June scored 20 points, took 5 rebounds and made a block and two interceptions. His first points came on a rebound tap after a teammate’s missed free throw.
Above all, Wembanyama (19 years old) has already shown a glimpse of his unique dexterity despite his size (2.24 m according to the NBA), notably with a left-handed lay-up (his “bad” hand) after a “spin move” (quick turn around) spectacular. Skillful at three points (2 out of 5), the Frenchman signed a powerful dunk in transition, but also lost the ball four times due to a few blunders.
Left during the third quarter, he did not return to the field afterward. “VSThis is what I expected from this match. It gives me hope, we had some superb sequences of play in the first half“reacted Wembanyama. “As a rookie, I just have to give 100 percent. But I can do even better.”
“Pop” appreciated
“I found it good“, commented his trainer Gregg Popovich soberly. “We didn’t have a specific plan for him tonight, just for him to play the basketball he loves. We are still thinking about how to make the most of his qualities. But as he is an intelligent guy he will find it alone, even if I don’t succeed.” “We corrected him on two or three things this evening, mostly in defense. But that’s how it is for all young players starting out in the league“, added the experienced “Coach Pop”.
“Wemby” offered a nice duel of young talents against Chet Holmgren (21 points, 9 rebounds). This immense pivot (2.16 m, 21 years old) and also very agile, No.2 in the 2022 Draft, had missed all of last season after a foot injury in August 2022. The Spurs welcome Miami on Friday for their second preparation match. They will host Dallas on October 25 for their first regular season game.