Spurs' Victor Wembanyama shut down for rest of summer league
Spurs fans will have to wait until preseason to see Victor Wembanyama play again.
Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is being shut down for the rest of the 2023 Summer League by San Antonio according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
After Sunday night’s loss against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 19-year-old was asked whether he would continue playing in Vegas and told reporters it wasn’t necessarily his decision.
“I know I got to talk with Pop,” Wembanyama told reporters, referring to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. “I’m going to listen to what he’s going to say, but I’m ready to make any sacrifice for the team and give 100 percent.”
In his first game of summer league against the Charlotte Hornets, with the world watching, the 7-foot-3 center came up exceptionally short compared to the lofty expectations that have been set for his debut.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2023 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
Wembanyama ended the game shooting only 2-for-13 from the field and oftentimes looked unprepared for the physicality of the game.
But Wembanyama quickly bounced back with a monster 27-point, 12-rebound effort against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday with an array of highlights to prove the doubters wrong.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2023 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyamaof the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2023 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
The center is considered to be the best prospect the NBA has seen since LeBron James, and as a result, he has been in the spotlight of the basketball world for months now.
However, Wembanyama is a basketball purist and is happy that the whirlwind of media attention will soon die down at least until the fall.
“Like, this past month, I think basketball wasn’t even 50 percent of my schedule,” Wembanyama said. “I can’t stand it. I know it’s a special moment in my life, but I’m just glad it’s over, honestly. I just want to hoop, work out and lift.”
Source: New York Post
