A little less than two months after his last media appearance during the Olympic Games, Victor Wembanyama made his comeback with the Spurs, during the media day organized this Monday at the Texan training center, the Victory Capital Performance Center. With eleven kilos heavier than for his NBA debut (105 kg today), Wemby knows where he wants to go: “ [On veut jouer] the play-in or the playoffs ».
With the notable arrivals of Harrison Barnes (Kings) and Chris Paul (Warriors) but also that of rookie Stephon Castle, the Alamo City franchise intends to build on the momentum started at the end of last season. Victor Wembanyama, elected rookie of the year and author of an accomplished season in all respects (21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 interceptions, all in 71 matches), knows that he will also have to move up the ranks.
On the importance of working on the fundamentals
“I will no longer have a 2nd or 3rd chance”affirms the one who will be favorite for the title of defender of the year. “I want to be the defensive base of my team but also a playmaker in attack.” Does he plan to be Spurs boss?“I don’t really like that term but it’s not too strong a word. I prefer to say that I am a leader “, he answers.
Moved to tears before falling into the arms of his mother, Élodie de Fautereau, a few minutes after the defeat against Team USA at the Olympic Games, the former Nanterre 92 player affirms that this Olympic adventure was “probably the most intense sporting experience of [sa] life “. “It was very mentally demanding because of the tactical aspect but also because there are only six matches at best at the Olympics. The older I get, the more I realize that it is important to work on the fundamentals, like taking advantage of the simplest situations. »
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
