The San Antonio Spurs have perhaps the most hyped young player in the league in No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama has played in two Summer League games thus far, and it seems like the team has seen all they need from him in Summer League competition.
The 7-foot-3 star didn’t get off to the best of starts in his debut, shooting just 2-for-13 from the field. However, he bounced back with a dazzling performance in his second Summer League game on Sunday night, scoring 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds and three blocks.
His second performance seemingly silenced any doubters that he may have had, and the Spurs are now officially shutting him down for the rest of the Summer League, according to Mike Finger of San Antonio Express-News.
Can report Victor Wembanyama is now 100% finished with summer league, per the Spurs.
All along, two games was the plan. Spurs wanted him to get a taste of the NBA, and he got it. Team saw what it wanted to see, now giving him a break after a busy 12 months.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) July 10, 2023
This isn’t all that shocking of a move, as many teams often protect their top draft picks after only a few Summer League games.
Fans took notice of this decision and are somewhat upset that they won’t be able to see him until preseason games begin, but ultimately understand the decision.
Victor Wembanyama is officially done with Summer League.
His averages across two games:
• 18 PPG
• 10 RPG
• 4 BPGNext up, the NBA regular season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cZ4kMk5faD
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 10, 2023
Victor Wembanyama will sit out the rest of Summer League, per @mikefinger.
The Spurs' No. 1 overall pick averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks on 41% shooting from the field in just 2 games. pic.twitter.com/nAcGepjdDC
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 10, 2023
The Spurs have announced that No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama is being shut down for the rest of Summer League pic.twitter.com/0IVHy6Dl7h
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1678497379761233921
Victor Wembanyama will not play for the remainder of the Summer League 😳
Do you think he could have used more time? pic.twitter.com/mevy8Vmukp
— TheRX (@TheRxForum) July 10, 2023
Summer League is far more important for players looking to make a name for themselves and earn a roster spot on a team, which are two things that Wembanyama has certainly already done.
The Spurs clearly see Wembanyama as the most important piece of their franchise, and keeping him as healthy as possible is probably a very smart decision.