The NBA has a new attraction: Victor Wembanyama, huge like a center, but agile and accurate like a playmaker. The extremely hyped young Frenchman is now taking the stage for the first time.
He is going into the game between his San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night (3:30 a.m.) with anticipation and a little tension. “I have a bit of butterflies in my stomach, like I do before every game, depending on what’s at stake,” Wembanyama said. “But it’s not like I’m shaking – just a bit of a stomach ache.”
The 19-year-old, who was selected first in the draft as expected, is considered a talent of the century because, at 2.24 meters tall, he has outstanding athleticism and is still extremely dangerous when dribbling and from the three-point line. Since the arrival of LeBron James in 2003, no newcomer has thrilled the scene so much.
Wingspan of 2.43 meters
Wembanyama also has the best prerequisites for defensive work; his enormous wingspan of 2.43 meters allows him to block at unimagined heights. “He is different”, says his coach Gregg Popovich. He changes the dynamic on the field – at both ends.
In his four preseason friendly games, Wembanyama has already made a good impression, averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. However, the rookie doesn’t want to be satisfied with that. “I know that no one has seen the best of me yet”he said.
Wembanyama: “As many titles as possible”
The Frenchman has big goals anyway. “In the long term, I want to win as many titles as possible. I know that’s not easy to achieve. Most players don’t even reach the final in their careers. But it’s one of my biggest goals in life, so I know that one day I will achieve this.”
The league’s superstars, including Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, are also deeply impressed by Wembanyama. “It’s pretty crazy what he does on the field,” Doncic said.
13,000 fans at training
The new guy, who moved to North America from the Parisian club Metropolitans 92, attracts the crowds. More than 13,000 fans recently attended a Spurs training session, and he is said to have attracted 95 million views on social media, more than any other NBA professional. “Victor has the potential to expand the audience because people are so interested in watching this unique player,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is worried and talks a lot to Wembanyama to protect him from the hype. “But I found out very early on that he kind of looks at me and thinks, ‘Why is this guy telling me all this?'” said the 74-year-old. “He already knows.”