In an electrifying display of talent, Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA draft, showcased his skills during his second Summer League game in Las Vegas. With a Band-Aid on his right cheek as a testament to his physicality, Wembanyama exuded confidence and celebrated his performance with gusto.
Despite the San Antonio Spurs falling to the Portland Trail Blazers in an 85-80 defeat, Wembanyama’s performance was a significant improvement from his debut. The towering rookie recorded an impressive double-double, tallying 27 points and 12 rebounds. Demonstrating his versatility, he also blocked three shots and spearheaded a spirited comeback that nearly erased a 19-point deficit.
Reflecting on his performance, Wembanyama expressed his desire for a victory, acknowledging that there is always room for growth and learning. While he still exhibited signs of being a work in progress, including an airballed three-pointer and occasional difficulty securing rebounds, it was clear that Wembanyama was more in his element during this game.
In his first Summer League outing against the Charlotte Hornets, Wembanyama struggled, shooting just 2 for 13 from the field. However, he bounced back admirably in Game 2, finding his rhythm and displaying improved shooting accuracy. His first points came from an 18-foot jumper on the right wing, setting the tone for an impressive performance.
Wembanyama’s highlights were a sight to behold. He showcased his athleticism by tipping a rebound to himself with his left hand and executing a self-assisted alley-oop dunk over Portland’s Jabari Walker. This play ignited his energy, leading to another dunk over Justin Minaya after blocking a shot. In the third quarter, Wembanyama tenaciously pursued the ball, grabbing his own miss and scoring with his left hand while drawing a foul.
Although the atmosphere for Wembanyama’s second game was slightly less exuberant than his debut, with some empty seats in the upper bowl, his impact was undeniable. The “Wemby effect” was still in full swing, attracting a sellout crowd and captivating the fans. Wembanyama acknowledged that the ultimate show for the spectators would be winning games.
Notable figures such as Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who recently signed a five-year contract extension, NBA legend Jerry West, and Wembanyama’s teammates Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan were among those present to witness his performance. Unfortunately, the anticipated matchup between Wembanyama and Portland’s Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick, did not materialize due to Henderson’s shoulder injury.
While the continuation of Wembanyama’s participation in the Vegas Summer League remains uncertain, it aligns with a trend of early exits for top picks. Paolo Banchero played two games in 2022, Cade Cunningham featured in three games in 2021, and Zion Williamson’s stint was limited to just one game and nine minutes in 2019 due to injury. Deandre Ayton managed four games in 2018, and the 2020 Summer League was canceled due to the pandemic.
Wembanyama expressed his willingness to sacrifice for the team and stated his intention to discuss his plans with Popovich. This includes evaluating whether he will continue playing in Vegas, designing a workout regimen, and determining the best approach for a well-deserved vacation before the start of training camp in the fall.
With his tremendous potential and continuous growth, Wembanyama’s journey in the NBA is one that fans eagerly anticipate.
