San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama showed exactly why he was selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft during his preseason debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 19-year-old forward scored 20 points in just 19 minutes, adding five rebounds and two steals. The 7'3" French phenom went 8-13 from the field, including a respectable 2-5 from behind the arc.
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren also made his preseason debut, finishing with 21 points and 9 rebounds in his 16 minutes on the floor while hitting seven of his ten field goals. He also connected on each of his two three-point attempts.
Wembanyama, to his credit, seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. If Collins starts, Wemby can run point in lieu of Jones. If Jones gets the nod, Wemby can help space the floor. He can catch and shoot, or find the open man with his absurd court vision.
This isn’t coming from a place of arrogance or ego. From day one, Wembanyama will not be the Spurs’ best player, but he will provide options never seen before in the NBA. As he develops into one of the best players in the league, then he can take the reigns. For now, he will be testing his skillset alongside the rest of his young compadres.
Wembanyama didn't play in the fourth quarter as Popovich opted to get a closer look at some other players on the roster. He still managed to have the most points by a Spurs rookie in a preseason game since DeJuan Blair in 2009.
Wembanyama appeared to have a firm grasp on how the Spurs want to play and fit in well on the court. The team is using the preseason to find out how Wembanyama should be used in the lineup and how he can best help affect winning.
Wembanyama will officially debut for his first non-Summer League NBA action. He'll start alongside Zach Collins, which could be indicative of the Spurs' starting frontcourt to begin this season.
As the Spurs get ready to tip off the preseason tonight, expect Wembanyama to showcase a wide range of skills. Don’t be shocked or disappointed if he misses a lot of threes or if he turns the ball over, but expect some dazzling plays and stifling defense. Gregg Popovich and company will have him all over the floor, as they are still trying to figure out what to do with him. Fans aren’t the only ones baffled.
Read more
The best early deals in Amazon Prime Day 2023 Up to 50% off Robert F. Kennedy Jr. run for president and launches independent campaign
Sarah H
Also on site :
- ASU’s Kyndrich Breedlove, Duke’s Landen King both ejected late in 1st half of Sun Bowl
- Duke lineman Kobe Smith suffers gruesome injury in Sun Bowl: ‘Not going to show that one again’
- Kalshi Promo Code MILE: Claim $10 Bonus for CFB Playoffs, NBA Predictions