By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Victor Wembanyama gained weight during the offseason.
He was listed at 235 pounds by the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, the equivalent of 107 kilograms. That is an increase of 25 pounds or 12 kilograms compared to the start of his rookie season in the NBA.
Wembanyama, 20, is coming off a silver medal in the 2024 Olympic Games. Besides additional experience stemming from the top-tier level of international basketball, his sophomore NBA campaign will be combined with extra bulk. A heavier presence on the court, similar to numerous NBA superstars moving deeper into their respective careers, will undoubtedly help in extending dominating showings against his opponents.
Logging 71 appearances, all starts, Wemby put up 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per contest in his first NBA season. The French prodigy was named NBA Rookie of the Year along with a nod in the All-Rookie First Team and was placed in the NBA All-Defensive First Team. With the team coached by legendary Gregg Popovich destined to improve from a 22-60 W-L tally in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season, he will indeed be the driving force.
Heading to the 2024 NBA Preseason, the Spurs are set to tip off exhibition action next Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. More friendly games opposite the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets lead into the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season opener versus the Dallas Mavericks and Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic on October 24.