NBA – Big favorite for the Rookie Of The Year trophy, Victor Wembanyama did not disappoint in his first season at Spurs.
Expected to be one of the leading figures of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Victor Wembanyama signed an exceptional rookie season, finishing as the best blocker in the NBA, with personal bests of 40 points, 20 rebounds and 10 blocks. When closing this first chapter, the Spurs pivot gave an interview to the French media who followed him all year in San Antonio.
You seem to have exceeded expectations for your first season in the NBA. Are you of this opinion?
Not really. That may be the case but that's not how I feel. Every day I try to surpass myself, set new records, win more matches. But the next day, I always tell myself that I didn't do enough, to push myself even more. I would have liked to play all the matches and not miss any but I quite agree with the way we managed the season. For a first, it's satisfactory.
Has your first NBA season met your expectations?
Yes, overall it was in line with my expectations. I have never had any doubts about my ability to perform because I am the person who knows myself best. I know the work that has been done so there is no reason to worry.
What are your proudest moments of the season?
There are several of them. One of them is my unique stat lines, especially in wins. Releasing performances that have never been done before is one of them. There is also being the best rookie in most statistical categories and the best blocker in the league (3.6 blocks per game).
Learn from the greatest players
What is the most important thing you learned this season?
I was taught many things, more than I could name. But I was taught a lot about physicality, development and health. I also learned a lot from the great players in the league and their consistency, whether from (Joel) Embiid, (Nikola) Jokic and Giannis (Antetokounmpo). They are present at every match throughout the season and rarely have a bad evening. They don't just shine occasionally because that's not enough.
How was your first season under the leadership of Gregg Popovich?
What stood out to me was how much he cares about his players. He considers the people we are first, before the players. This didn't surprise me for long, because he made it known from day one, or even a little before. In many cases, whether in the NBA or elsewhere, the relationship between coaches and players is far from perfect so I'm happy that things are going well here.
The Spurs have had a series of defeats, sometimes significant. How did you experience it?
There was a moment when it was quite hard to lose all these matches and to go back the next day or two days later and have to fight big guys again in matches (laughs). It was hard but I'm well surrounded and there were no moments where I broke down. The season was mentally taxing because if it hadn't been, it would mean that I wouldn't have put myself in enough trouble. So I really try to push myself as much as possible. But it's definitely to be expected and it's physically and mentally tiring. That's why you have to give everything during the season and then rest and deserve it.
You are in the race with your compatriot Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) for the title of defender of the year. Do you think you deserve it?
We'll see. It would be far from a steal if Rudy got it but I think a lot has changed since the start of the season. Whatever the result, it will still be a great fight. What satisfies me the most is to have two French people at the top of the ranking.
The desire to test new dunks, new moves
And what about the rookie of the year title?
The results will tell but I have no regrets about that. It was a goal but not the primary goal of my season. Above all, I wanted to help the team improve and grow. I know very well that the best way to help the team is to perform well individually.
You have delighted fans with numerous highlights which have made the rounds on social networks. Is this something you value?
I like it, yes. For me, highlights are like art, like dance. During warm-ups, I always try to try new dunks, new techniques and sometimes even actions that I didn't think I would be able to do. It’s truly a universe to explore.
Did you realize that your new status as an NBA star went beyond just basketball?
Of course. But in my private life, I am absolutely disconnected from all that, I don't consider myself a star. But what struck me during each of my outings is the impact that we can have as a player on many people, on young people.
How does it feel to have been followed by three French journalists all year round?
I don't have to say anything (laughs). I already appreciate that France is putting so many resources into growing basketball and supporting my career. I tend to slightly overestimate the power of the media in the United States and underestimate that of the media in France because they are two totally different worlds. Being far away, it's difficult to see the impact we can have.
Exactly, what does France think of you, in your opinion?
Maybe I'm wrong but I have the feeling that my performances remain mainly in the basketball sphere and that unlike in the United States, the general public is not too interested in it. But I think I don't realize the greatness of my performances in France.
France misses Victor Wembanyama
After a full season in the NBA, do you miss France?
Yes, I've been looking forward to going back for a while now. I'm going to go see my grandparents who I haven't seen since I left for the United States. I'm also going to meet my sister (Ève, French 3×3 international) and my brother (Oscar, resident of the Asvel training center), I would like to go see some of their matches. I also miss food. I'll go eat Greek, maybe? That wouldn’t be bad (laughs).
What level of your maximum abilities are you at?
It's hard to say. I would say I'm currently at 15% of my capacity, between my first NBA game and what I hope will be my “prime”.
You often talk about your love for basketball. How much did this help you during the season, when faced with difficulties?
Before 95% of the matches, I try to realize how lucky I am to be on the floor. Sometimes it's very difficult because the match will start right away and I'm extremely tired. I tell myself that I played one yesterday, another three days ago and I will play another tomorrow. But every time, I try to remember how lucky I am to be on the field. It is my destiny, in quotes. It is these strong inner reasons that push me to continue, because sometimes it is very hard.
Give 200% at the Olympic Games
The D-100 milestone before the Paris Olympic Games will soon be reached, what does this inspire you?
It's going to be huge. When I'm on the pitch, I'll give 200%, as I do every time I wear this jersey. It will be extraordinary and I will be there, like a child, enjoying the moment.
What would a successful season look like for you next year?
I definitely don't want the next season to end so soon. I want to go as far as possible and obviously participate in the playoffs. Ideally, I would like to win every match but to win, there are a lot of little details to adjust. It's not enough to say that we want to win a title or reach the playoffs, every day we have to add a new brick, and that's how we will build the house.
What is your program until the Olympic Games?
I will stay in San Antonio for a few days for the end of year medical tests, continue training, then I will return to France. I don't know what day yet, but it will happen very soon. Unfortunately, I will be there for less than three weeks.
By Théo Quintard, correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
