The Thomas & Mack Center was abuzz with French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama spoke Friday night in Las Vegas, NV.
He most hyped prospect since LeBron James showed glimpses of why he was selected with the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft in a 76-68 victory for the San Antonio Spurs over the Charlotte Hornets.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the media after the NBA Summer League game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Charlotte Hornets, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 7 July 2023. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
The 19-year-old center scored nine points and grabbed eight rebounds, but struggled with his shooting, going 2-for-13 from the floor and just 1-for-6 from beyond the three-point line.
THE VIDEO SHOWS THE ALLEGED INCIDENT OF BALLS BETWEEN THE SECURITY OF VICTOR WEMBANYAMA AND BRITNEY SPEARS
«Special moment. It was really special to wear that jersey for the first time,» Wembanyama said, according to NBA.com. «It’s really an honor. Overall, I’m glad we won this game. Honestly, I didn’t really know what I was doing on the court tonight. But I’m trying to learn for the next few games. The important thing [part] is to be ready for the season.»
Wembanyama showed his game early on, finishing the night with three assists, and quickly showed his defensive presence, notching five blocks on the night.
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Victor Wembanyama, #1 of the San Antonio Spurs, fouls Bryce McGowens, #7 of the Charlotte Hornets, during his shot attempt during the fourth quarter at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada . (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
«It’s a legit 7-6,» the Hornets’ first draft pick brandon miller he said afterwards. «Victor’s a great guy, great off the court. He’s going to have a great career, and just seeing him rise to the challenge, I think it shows a lot of heart.»
Wembanyama was officially measured at 7 feet, 3½ inches by the Spurs after the draft.
Wembanyama said that he was exhausted every time he withdrew from the game and that he will focus on his conditioning to prepare for the 82-game NBA season.
San Antonio Spurs number 1 Victor Wembanyama dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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«I think there’s a lot of conditioning to do,» Wembanyama said, according to ESPN. «Especially with our style of play, we run a lot. It’s really exhausting. Even though it was 40 minutes tonight, when I came on, I was always tired and exhausted. So I think there’s a lot of conditioning to do.»
Wembanyama will be in the spotlight again on Sunday when Spurs take on Portland Trail Blazers.