Victor Wembanyama gets dunked on by Kai Jones in forgettable Spurs debut
Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Summer League debut was memorable — but mostly for all the wrong reasons.
The 7-foot-3 1/2 big man was put on a poster in the San Antonio Spurs’ 76-68 win over the Hornets, courtesy of power forward Kai Jones.
With a little over five minutes left in the third quarter, the Hornets’ Jones, 22, caught a lob pass and dunked over the 19-year-old Wembanyama, posterizing the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Jones, who was selected No. 19 overall by the Knicks in 2019 and immediately dealt to Charlotte, gave the rookie a taste of the pros in the opening game of the summer session.
The ESPN broadcast had Spurs general manager Brian Wright on for an interview to discuss the team’s new generational talent as the play unfolded.
“[Victor Wembanyama] just got a ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment right there,” analyst Doris Burke exclaimed.
“Your timing was not impeccable,” Burke said to Wright.
“This is a spectacular finish by Kai Jones.”
The 6-foot-11 Jones now has two years of NBA experience under his belt and, before the start of summer, said he’s been having “the most fun ever.”
“I’m enjoying it so much. I enjoy waking up and hooping everyday. That’s what I love to do,” Jones said, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“I want to win in the league, I want to win in summer league, I want to win in the Olympic trials…So, just keep being hot every time I touch it. That’s my goal every time I touch the ball. So, go win the next game.”
While the Hornets ultimately lost Friday’s matchup, Jones ended the night with seven points, 10 rebounds and one assist while playing 27 minutes.
No. 2 draft pick Brandon Miller — who participated in the Hornets’ Summer League games at the California Classic this week — added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in his Las Vegas debut.
Wembanyama posted nine points, three assists and five blocks in the San Antonio win.
He shot just 2-for-13 from the field in his first NBA action.
The Frenchman’s debut was highly anticipated, as the Thomas & Mack Center sold out tickets for the pre-season contest.
