By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Settling for the Panini Rising Stars in his rookie NBA season, Victor Wembanyama is seeking an upgrade to the league’s All-Star Game.
Wembanyama, 20, was not selected for the 2024 All-Star Game. The main event of the All-Star weekend will be held in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, February 18.
“Being selected as an All-Star would be a great achievement, especially in my rookie year. Honestly, my focus is more on trying to win games and getting better as a team,” he commented on missing the cut after the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Miami Heat in Kaseya Center on Wednesday, “Of course, it is motivation.”
Besides the Rising Stars, the French upstart is expected to compete in the Kia Skills Challenge as well. “It is definitely going to be a special experience,” he noted.
Wemby is set to continue a nine-game road trip with the Spurs, lasting beyond the All-Star break. After visiting Miami, the team coached by Gregg Popovich meets the Orlando Magic in Kia Center on Thursday.
Posting an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double versus the Heat, Wembanyama was not enough to prevent his side from falling to 10-41. “The fact we could hold them for more than three quarters, it also shows some progress from our side,” he pointed to some gains for the young Spurs.
Over 44 appearances in the 2023-24 Regular Season, he is up to 20.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
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