Las Vegas never fails to remind potential visitors that its scorching summer temperatures are a dry heat. However, at the Thomas & Mack Center for NBA Summer League, the atmosphere was so thick with excitement and anticipation that it felt humid, despite the lack of moisture in the air. As I waited alongside the sold-out crowd of over 17,000 fans, the energy permeating from the parking lot to the arena was palpable. One media member turned to me and exclaimed, “I’ve been coming to this event for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
The source of this fervor was none other than Victor Wembanyama, a 19-year-old French prodigy towering at an impressive 7 feet 5 inches. This game marked his first-ever appearance as an NBA player, and the hype surrounding him was unprecedented. Teams had been strategizing to secure the chance to draft him since his high school days, and experts in the basketball world boldly predicted that he could potentially become one of the greatest players in history. The pressure on Wembanyama was immense, and it seemed to affect his performance during his lackluster first game, although statistically balanced. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post, who has closely followed Wembanyama’s journey, acknowledged that the chaotic atmosphere of the Vegas Summer League, combined with the intense crowd, had rattled the young player. Golliver shared, “He has a very systematic way of thinking. He arrived at the draft three hours early just to practice walking on stage. Everything is scripted for him. Summer League is sheer chaos, and that night was the craziest it has ever been. The arena was completely sold out, and there was a swarm of media blocking his path to the court. To make matters worse, the preceding game ran long, so he had to wait in the tunnel for an extended period. The tension must have been overwhelming.”
Despite his underwhelming performance, Wembanyama still found ways to contribute defensively and as a facilitator, helping the San Antonio Spurs secure a victory. True basketball connoisseurs understood that this game was not cause for alarm and recognized Wembanyama’s undeniable talent and profound understanding of the game. However, for casual fans, this lackluster performance fueled doubts, branding Victor as a disappointment. It wasn’t until his bounce-back game on Sunday, where he scored 27 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and showcased his defensive skills with three blocks and a steal, that the murmurs of doubt were silenced.
The fact that Wembanyama quickly adjusted to both the Vegas atmosphere and the crowd’s intensity after just one game is incredibly impressive for someone so young. He appeared far more confident and comfortable in his second game. Driven by his determination to redeem himself and not satisfy his disappointed fans, observers noted Wembanyama repeatedly slapping himself in the face before taking the court on Sunday. Golliver shared, “He did it about ten times; he was so amped up.”
The immense hype surrounding Wembanyama is warranted. His towering height is a rarity, but combined with his guard-like skills, it places him in a league of his own. Unlike other players of his size, who typically focus on rebounding and staying close to the basket, Wembanyama displays a unique approach to the game. A viral video clip of him securing his own three-point rebound for a powerful dunk perfectly encapsulates his exceptional combination of skills and size.
However, it is crucial to recognize that his approach to the game is a truer reflection of who he is than his physical attributes, which he acquired by chance. Similar to predecessors Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, Wembanyama possesses a natural inclination for scoring and a deep understanding of basketball. He is a cerebral and thoughtful player, rather than relying on physical dominance. He enjoys reading books and building Legos in his spare time. Although fiercely competitive, he does not prioritize imposing himself physically. In some ways, his mind and approach to the game are as unique as his towering frame.
Wembanyama’s ability to navigate his international superstardom at such a young age is remarkable. He exudes poise and has clearly received extensive media training. He speaks of “fate” and “pride” with a sense of duty. Golliver compares him to royalty, someone groomed from a young age to assume their role. Wembanyama’s reverence for the expectations and the vast potential he carries with him will likely be a gift rather than a curse in the NBA. It may also explain why his initial performance felt underwhelming. He understands the enormity of the opportunity in front of him, as well as the countless individuals rooting for his success and expecting great things from him. The trajectory of his career could be historic if everything falls into place.
Golliver and other experts in the field are in agreement: Wembanyama’s unspectacular debut in the Summer League did not diminish hopes for his future. Golliver emphasizes that, character-wise, he has fewer concerns about Wembanyama than any other top pick in the past decade. He lists various qualities that make Wembanyama special: his coachability, his desire to win, his eagerness to learn, and his honest self-assessment. Wembanyama remains composed and level-headed, never running too hot or too cold. He possesses the potential to be a vocal leader and exhibits exceptional selflessness and teamwork.
While his shots may not always find the mark, and there may be challenges in getting a naturally reluctant rebounder to embrace that aspect of the game, there is no reason to doubt Wembanyama’s NBA future at this point. The San Antonio Spurs and their fans can expect an electrifying opening night as they welcome their newest star player.
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