By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The wait is over. Victor Wembanyama is set to debut in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season on Wednesday.
Wembanyama, 19, will make his first appearance with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Dallas Mavericks in Frost Bank Center tonight (26/10, 3:30 AM CET). The first of many, the French prodigy previewed on Tuesday. “Every game,” he replied on how many games he plans to play, provided he stays healthy.
The first pick of the 2023 NBA draft is a rookie in the NBA but carries experience at the senior level. Competing in France, most recently as a leading player of Metropolitans 92 during the 2022-23 season, he has been accustomed to opponents being physical against him.
“Everyone has their strength, and being physical is something I’ve seen my whole life, basically every time I stepped on a court for the last few years,” he mentioned ahead of more demanding challenges in the NBA, “It’s not something I’m afraid of.”
“Quickness beats physicality when used correctly,” added Wembanyama, “So, it is really part of the game. I am used to it.”
“A lot of players will try and go at him,” Turkish Cedi Osman commented on his teammate debuting in the league based in North America, “I think that he’s really physically and mentally ready for that moment. He’s really excited, and we’re really excited for him.”
In the 2023 NBA Preseason, Wemby averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest.