By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
As with all the top picks of the NBA draft, the path can be tricky for Victor Wembanyama. However, the French center did not show any sign of stress logging his first appearance in the 2023 NBA Preseason, a few months after being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs.
Shy of discouraged after the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center, he talked about his preseason debut.
“In terms of the game, it’s all I expected,” the French center painted the picture of adapting to the league.
“I am very hopeful because we had some great sequences, especially in the first half,” he added countering the loss with good vibes for the 2023-24 Regular Season.
“Not really, just excited,” replied Wembanyama to a question about whether he was nervous.
Scoring 20 points in 19 minutes included plenty of dazzling moves. “I am just freestyling,” he described his approach.
“It was fine”
Commenting on the huge prospect and the solid showing to start the Preseason, head coach Gregg Popovich seemed determined to hold Wemby in the process of development.
“I thought it was fine,” the experienced tactician rated the performance of Wembanyama, “He just went out and played. No big game plan for him or anything like that. He just played basketball, which he likes to do and he’s good at it.”
The next exhibition game is against the Miami Heat in San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center on Friday. Two home games versus the Houston Rockets and playing the Golden State Warriors on the road will complete the preseason schedule. Dealing with the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic will open the Regular Season on October 25.
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