“I am at 15% of my capacity”: Wembanyama takes stock after his first NBA season

Victor Wembanyama can breathe a sigh of relief: his first season in the NBA, the duration and intensity of which always make it difficult for a rookie, is finally over. “I can’t wait” to return to France, the San Antonio Spurs star said on Sunday, during a press conference where he took stock of his first year in the United States with the French media.

Before having “three weeks” to enjoy his family remaining in France, a country whose “food I miss,” he mischievously slipped in, Wembanyama remade the film of his first steps in the NBA. Without dwelling on superlatives, the 20-year-old young man was unable to hide the obvious: his season was a great success, both in terms of avoiding injuries (71 matches out of 82) and in terms of his performances (21 .4 pts, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks on average per game).

He “maybe” exceeded expectations, “but that’s not how I feel. Every day I try to surpass myself, set new records, win more matches,” shared “Wemby”. Observer, he especially remembered “the consistency” that he witnessed among the best basketball players in the world, citing “Embiid, Jokic and Giannis (Antetokounmpo)” who “respond present in every match”.

Wembanyama also said he was flattered by the many compliments he received throughout the season, from players as well as coaches, journalists and former NBA stars. “It reminds me that I am on the right track,” he summarized. So much so that in addition to the rookie of the year trophy, of which there is no doubt that he will be the winner, the Frenchman found himself in the conversation for that of defender of the year. Where one of the main contenders is none other than his compatriot, Rudy Gobert.

“It would be far from a steal if Rudy got it. However, I think a lot has changed since the start of the season. Either way, it was a great fight. What satisfies me the most is to have two French people at the top of the ranking,” explained Wembanyama, for whom “it was quite hard to lose all these matches.” Because if Gobert's Minnesota was a success (3rd in the West, 56 victories for 26 defeats), San Antonio sank (14th in the West, 22 victories for 60 defeats).

A painful season collectively, but better finished than started under the orders of legendary coach Gregg Popovich. And which will allow the Spurs, like last year, to have a very high draft choice this summer to enlist a new young talent. Wembanyama is thinking about the future. He promises, he will be much stronger in a few years. “I think that in terms of evolution between my first match and my “prime”, I am at 15% of my capacities today,” he estimated.

Now, time for a little rest as the NBA playoffs begin. For Wembanyama, the next goal is Paris with the Olympic Games. “It’s going to be huge,” the member of the French team already marvels. 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.” The Blues will begin their preparation with a friendly match against Turkey on Wednesday July 3 in Rouen.