French phenom Victor Wembanyama has made the rounds of nationwide tv discuss reveals after being chosen because the No.1 total decide within the NBA draft.
The 7-foot-3 1/2 centre has carried out extra press conferences than he can rely. He has attended quite a few public appearances and he even squeezed in a dinner with a bunch of Hall of Famers.
It comes with being maybe probably the most hyped prospects the NBA has ever seen. A charismatic 19-year-old who has the agility and the talents of a guard whereas standing taller than nearly everybody, it is little surprise Wembanyama’s time has been stretched greater than his 8-foot wingspan.
“I think I’ve spent more time with the media than on the court,” Wembanyama mentioned Friday as he met the media for the primary time since beginning work with the crew.
After being tasked with so many commitments off the courtroom, Wembanyama lastly took to the courtroom Wednesday to practise with the Spurs for the primary time as they put together for upcoming summer season leagues.
“It felt really good, felt really good,” Wembanyama mentioned. “Also, I had a warm welcome with the guys. Yeah, I just can’t wait. I was told beforehand that there was a good dynamic with the team on and off the court and I started to feel it already. It just makes me even more certain that this is a good environment.”
Wembanyama is residence, even when he nonetheless hasn’t had time to discover a home in San Antonio.
Wembanyama won’t play within the California Classic Summer League that opens July 3 in Sacramento. He will compete within the NBA 2K24 Summer League on July 7-17 in Las Vegas.
“I don’t know how it works yet (as far as) how many minutes I’m going to play,” he mentioned. “I know I’m going to have a big role and it’s going to be intense. I can’t wait to wear that Spurs jersey for the first time.”
His pleasure has solely grown since he was drafted by the Spurs on June 22.
Shortly after arriving in San Antonio, Wembanyama had dinner with Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, together with fellow former Spurs star Sean Elliott.
“He asked us, ‘How can you get enough sleep on the road,'” Elliott mentioned of the dinner. “What kind of young person asks that question? Most guys are like ‘Hey, what’s the best club to go to in (Philadelphia) or (New York).'”
It’s all a part of Wembanyama’s need to win an NBA title with the Spurs, identical to his fellow Frenchmen Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.
In addition to asking the best questions, Wembanyama labored with a private coach so as to add weight safely to his lengthy body this yr main as much as the draft.
“To be able to play through 82 games a season, I’ve got to go through a lot of conditioning and level up on the energy level,” Wembanyama mentioned.
He has already impressed his teammates and coaches in San Antonio along with his work ethic, in addition to his expertise on the courtroom throughout his first two days of observe.
“He’s a unique player and it’s on us as coaches to find some good spots for him to develop in those areas,” mentioned Matt Nielsen, Spurs assistant coach and Summer League coach.
“In saying that, he’s got a lot to learn about NBA basketball and the Spurs. There’s a lot going on for him, it’s just exciting to watch him out there.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
