Victor Wembanyama is one of the most highly-touted draft picks the NBA has seen in a long time. The hype he received leading into the NBA Draft put him on a level of past No. 1 picks like LeBron James, Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal.
So, the San Antonio Spurs and their fans are hoping that his NBA Summer League debut is nothing more than a temporary bump in the road. Because it left a lot to be desired — especially on the offensive end.
It’s not that Wembanyama had no good moments in Friday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. He finished the game with eight rebounds and an impressive five blocked shots. But he also scored only nine points and was 2-for-13 from the field.
Victor Wembanyama in his Summer League debut:
9 points
8 rebounds
5 blocks
3 assists
2/13 FGM
1/6 3PM pic.twitter.com/1rjnRRIMGP— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 8, 2023
And while the eight rebounds and five blocks show that Wembanyama was a force in the paint, he was also on the receiving end of a monster jam from Kai Jones.
"[Victor Wembanyama] just got a 'Welcome to the NBA' moment right there."- Doris Burke🏀🔨 pic.twitter.com/UhdUN29HER
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 8, 2023
Basketball fans definitely took note of Wembanyama’s performance.
I mainly care about the turnovers and almost turnovers. Victor Wembanyama plays too much like a guard. Have to get closer to the rim. Also, playing with the Spurs, I doubt he will ever have high point totals. #NBA https://t.co/7KJIgoqwb5
— Doc Louallen (@LouallenDoc) July 8, 2023
Nah 2/13 crazy lol https://t.co/M8WDt7PRzX
— Rico Gates (@TrustSwisho) July 8, 2023
The 5 blocks is nice that 2/13 tho buddy gotta come better than that https://t.co/Ekr8Bvnjuz
— The Young OG (@Seaside_D_Go) July 8, 2023
Brittany fans having a field day tonight because what the hell is this? 😖 https://t.co/YTDlsXNRZM pic.twitter.com/EwVnR6cUcX
— ✨Tempest-✨(7-6) (@Rays_Szn) July 8, 2023
Don't go crazy about the statline. Watch the game. I did. He did everything well except shoot. He wasn't very aggressive but his passing, ball handling, and sheer length was very impressive. He's got a lot of room to grow but the fundamentals are rock solid. Very excited. https://t.co/rS7m93yK4W
— Jake Laskey (@WeDo_WithJL) July 8, 2023
One bad game can happen to anyone. And when it happens in the Summer League, it’s way too early to press the panic button. That said, a 7-foot-5 player should not be 2-for-13 from the field. It’s too early to panic. But Wembanyama certainly has some work to do, especially on the offensive end.
