Victor Wembanyama looks like Spurs’ hyped prospect with Summer League bounce-back
This was the Victor Wembanyama that everyone was expecting.
In his second summer league game, the No. 1 overall pick put up 27 points while shooting 9-of-14 and pulling down 12 rebounds.
The effort, which included a double-double, was a step in the right direction after a not-so-great performance in his first game on Friday.
Wembanyama, who is one of the most hyped prospects in quite some time in the NBA, added three blocks and showed flashes of the potential the big man has in the Spurs’ 85-80 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
“It’s just me getting comfortable with myself, comfortable with my body, the court,” Wembanyama said postgame. “Before today, I had like two practices and one game, so I was just getting going.”
It certainly showed in the first game when he missed 13 of 15 shots he attempted.
On Sunday, Wembanyama managed to draw plenty of fouls – going to the line 12 times and knocking down seven attempts – while showing off his shot from midrange as well as his ability to hustle for his own rebounds.
It would be an understatement to say that life has been a whirlwind since Wembanyama was drafted first overall in June by the Spurs.
The media tour for the lengthy Frenchman hasn’t given him a ton of time to practice either.
“It’s normal to get better every game,” Wembanyama said. “Two days ago was my first game. I had so much s–t with the draft, media stuff, so it just makes sense.”
He continued: “In the past month, I think basketball wasn’t even 50% of my schedule. I can’t stand it. I know it’s a special moment in my life, but I’m glad it’s over. I just wanna hoop.”
Part of it for Wembanyama has also been the need to adjust to the difference in the game between the United States and in Europe.
“The court is more open, it’s going fast, but it’s less physical,” Wembanyama said about the adjustments. “I get fouled a lot, but not as much. Nothing to compare and here players are just flying. Out there it’s more on the ground, pushing the ground, big box outs. Here it’s great athletes, the best in the world. Way more talent, but I like this better though.”
Wembanyama’s next game with the Summer League Spurs will be on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards.
The 7-foot-4 big has had an interesting start to his NBA career, especially off the court when he got wrapped up in a brief controversy involving pop icon Brittney Spears.
