NBA Summer League: Victor Wembanyama Sets Sights on Improvement Following Uneven Debut

Victor Wembanyama Reflects on NBA 2K24 Summer League Debut, Sets Sights on Improvements for Regular Season.

Unfazed by his less-than-stellar NBA 2K24 Summer League debut, the top pick, Victor Wembanyama, methodically addressed the areas requiring improvement before the commencement of the 2023-24 regular season.

Wembanyama commented, "To endure an 82-game season, significant conditioning is necessary. I found myself frequently fatigued and exhausted during my time on the court."

This fatigue was clearly evident during his 27-minute performance on Friday when Wembanyama, alongside the San Antonio Spurs, emerged victorious over the Charlotte Hornets led by the second pick, Brandon Miller. The Thomas & Mack Center was packed with a sold-out crowd, who arrived almost five hours prior to tipoff in anticipation of an extraordinary display. Despite the fans' chants of "we want Wemby" throughout the night, they were instead confronted with the reality of the situation.

The 19-year-old French phenom struggled, scoring nine points on a 2-for-13 shooting record, accompanied by eight rebounds, five blocks, and three assists. Unfortunately, he also tied for the team lead in turnovers with three. Wembanyama missed all five of his initial three-point attempts but managed to sink a basket in the late stages of the fourth quarter, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Wembanyama expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating, "It was truly a special moment to don the team jersey for the first time. I consider it a great honor. Ultimately, I am pleased that we emerged victorious. Admittedly, I felt somewhat lost on the court tonight. However, I am determined to learn from this experience for future games. The crucial aspect is being prepared for the upcoming season."

The considerable Spurs representation in attendance undoubtedly shares this sentiment. Coach Gregg Popovich returned to the Summer League after an absence in recent years, engaging in conversations with assistant coach Brett Brown and the 2022 first-round pick Jeremy Sochan, while general manager Brian Wright and CEO R.C. Buford observed nearby.

Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, Wembanyama's new teammates, were also present for his Summer League debut, having practiced with the rookie in San Antonio before joining him in Las Vegas.

Wembanyama remarked, "There is a remarkable camaraderie within this group. It is not common for an entire team to support each other from the sidelines like this. They have consistently shown their support. I have had the opportunity to practice with them, and they have provided guidance. They trust me and believe in my abilities, which is incredibly reassuring."

The 17,500 available tickets were swiftly claimed by enthusiastic fans, many of whom rushed into the arena once the doors opened.

Initially, Wembanyama showcased glimpses of his playmaking skills, adept ball handling, unselfishness, and prowess as a rim protector. He also demonstrated an ability to deliver precise passes in tight spaces. However, he encountered challenges when dribbling near the basket, resulting in avoidable turnovers. Additionally, he attempted excessive moves in the paint, drawing the attention of collapsing defenders.