Victor Wembanyama to sit the rest of NBA summer league

• Victor Wembanyama was 2023 NBA Draft No.1 pick for San Antonio Spurs
• Wembanyama has been involved in the NBA summer league for two matches
• The rookie will not play the rest of the league and will wait for his debut NBA season

The San Antonio Spurs have made the decision to sit Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the NBA summer league after an impressive second game in Las Vegas. Wembanyama, who had a challenging debut but bounced back with a remarkable performance of 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Portland Trail Blazers, stated that he would discuss with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich whether he would continue playing.

While the official announcement of Wembanyama’s summer league status was pending, his press conference strongly hinted at the eventual outcome. He expressed his intention to take a break from the media for at least the next month and eagerly anticipated a meeting with the Spurs to devise a plan for the upcoming 2-3 months. The objective of this plan would be to position himself optimally for his rookie season, which commences in the fall.

In his debut in the NBA 2K24 Summer League against the Charlotte Hornets, Wembanyama had a challenging time, shooting just 2-for-13 from the field and admitting to feeling lost on the court at times. However, in the game against Portland, Wembanyama started slowly but eventually found his rhythm, dominating the second quarter and almost single-handedly leading the Spurs to a victory.

Victor Wembanyama has been involved in two matches in the 2023 NBA summer league but has been sat by San Antonio Spurs for the rest of the league. | PHOTO: Los Angeles Times |

READ: Victor Wembanyama to skip FIBA to focus on Rookie season

Now, his attention will shift towards preparing for his first full season in the NBA. The expectations for Wembanyama are substantial, perhaps even comparable to the level of anticipation that surrounded LeBron James when he entered the league two decades ago.

Reflecting on the past month, Wembanyama acknowledged that basketball had not been the sole focus of his schedule. He expressed a desire to move past this period and redirect his energy towards playing basketball, working out, and improving his physical strength. The young player is eager to fully immerse himself in the game and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await him in his rookie season.

By ending his summer league participation, the Spurs are prioritizing Wembanyama’s development and long-term prospects. This decision allows him to dedicate himself to training and conditioning, ensuring he is prepared for the demands of his rookie campaign. The Spurs organization recognizes the significance of this moment in Wembanyama’s career and aims to provide him with the best support and guidance to facilitate a successful transition to the NBA.

As Wembanyama embarks on his journey as an NBA player, he will continue to face high expectations. The spotlight will be on him, and fans and analysts will closely monitor his progress. However, with his determination to focus on basketball, improve his skills, and elevate his physical fitness, Wembanyama is poised to embrace the challenges and make a meaningful impact in his rookie season and beyond.