Category: Wemby

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama listed inside top 50 of ESPN’s NBArank

Wembanyama is projected to be one of the top players in the NBA this season by an ESPN panel.

Victor Wembanyama has yet to officially suit up for the San Antonio Spurs but the No. 1 pick is projected to be one of the top players in the NBA this season by an ESPN panel.

Wembanyama came in at No. 47 on ESPN’s annual NBArank list, which predicts the top 100 players. The panel, which consists of nearly 150 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, was asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions for this season only.

He is the highest-ranked first-year player on the list, which also includes Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (78th) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (73rd).

Wembanyama is unlike any prospect we’ve seen enter the NBA. Wembanyama averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in the French Pro A League last season on his way to winning MVP honors. Still, how much of that translates to the NBA right away remains to be seen.

Wembanyama debuted on Monday against Holmgren and the Thunder, recording 20 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block in 19 minutes. He became the first Spurs rookie to record at least 20 points in a preseason game since DeJuan Blair in 2009.

The 19-year-old is the front-runner (plus-125) to win Rookie of the Year with Henderson and Holmgren tied for the next highest odds at plus-300. The trio enters the year with tremendous expectations for their respective teams and are projected to have strong years.

The expectation level for Wembanyama is especially high this season as the Frenchman looks to help the Spurs take the next step in their rebuild. The collective basketball world is eager to see how he handles the transition and it should make for an exciting year.

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Stephen A. Smith offers strong prediction for NBA Rookie of the Year

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith predicted that Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson will win Rookie of the Year.

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday predicted Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson will be named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Smith offered his choice on “First Take” alongside host Molly Qerim, Jeff Saturday and Shannon Sharpe. The proclamation came after Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

Qerim started the segment by asking Smith which of Holmgren or Wembanyama would be his choice to win the annual award. Smith, instead, opted to go with Henderson.

The brother got an NBA body. He is in attack mode. He is aggressive. … I’m the youngest of six. I have four older sisters. That brother Scoot Henderson in Portland, the third overall pick, he got sisters and I’ve met them. They can ball. They get in his face and they will get in his face long before anybody else will, whether it is the coaches, teammates, etc.

When you got relatives that are in your face and you know they have an impact on you and they affect your motor. I think him succeeding Dame (Lillard) in Portland and having the reins handed to him more so than Victor Wembanyama, more so than Chet Holmgren, I’m looking at Scoot Henderson to win Rookie of the Year.

Henderson is one of seven and has three sisters who previously played Division I athletics. His younger sister, Crystal, is a freshman this season at Georgia State and is his favorite player. Both had their jersey numbers retired at Kell High School earlier this year.

Wembanyama comes from a basketball background as well.

His mother, Elodie de Fautereau, is a coach and former player. His sister, Eve, played last season with Monaco and has represented France in the past. She most recently played with France in the FIBA U20 Women’s European Challengers, averaging 1.5 points and two rebounds.

Wembanyama is the front-runner (plus-125) to win with Henderson and Holmgren tied for the next best odds at plus-300, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook. Charlotte forward Brandon Miller (plus-1400) and Houston guard Amen Thompson (plus-3500) are next.

Certainly, there appears to be healthy competition for Rookie of the Year this season with several legitimate candidates. It should be a fun race to watch unfold but we’ll see how — or if — family may play a role in how successful these players are this year.

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A Hall of Famer after Wembanyama vs. Holmgren matchup: ‘Future is bright’

The sports world got its first look at Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren in the NBA on Monday and they put on a show.

The collective sports world gained its first look at two of the top up-and-coming players on Monday when Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

The two players put on a show, too.

Holmgren produced a game-high 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot in the 122-121 victory. He went 7-of-10 from the field in 16 minutes and became the first Thunder rookie to score at least 21 points in a preseason debut game.

On the other side, Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block in 19 minutes of work. He became the first Spurs rookie to record at least 20 points in a preseason game since DeJuan Blair in 2009.

They earned the nod of approval from Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.

Of course, the two players have similar frames standing over 7-feet tall. They can handle the ball, shoot and protect the paint, which each showed off on Monday. There is plenty of hype surrounding their upcoming seasons as they each represent a piece of his teams’ success.

It wasn’t the first-ever matchup between the two players, though.

They previously squared off in the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. Holmgren scored 10 points for the United States as the Americans topped Wembanyama and France for the gold medal. Wembanyama had a game-high 22 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks.

“I played against him a couple of years ago in FIBA,” Holmgren said. “It’s really cool to see players from across the world be connected through the NBA. I plan to play a long time and I’m sure he does too so it’ll be no choice but to go back and forth.”

The first matchup between Wembanyama and Holmgren during the regular season will take center stage on TNT on Nov. 14. It will be the first of dozens of future meetings in the NBA between the two franchise cornerstones as they look forward to playing each other.

“Personally, I was feeling good and had a lot of energy,” Wembanyama said. “I feel like he hurt us in the first half. I know it is just preseason but, for sure, the games against OKC are going to be interesting.”

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Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama reacts to first practices in training camp

Wembanyama hit the court for the first time this week, and admitted there has been a lot thrown at him to start off.

Victor Wembanyama hit the court for the first time this week with the San Antonio Spurs, and the No. 1 pick admitted there has been a great deal thrown at him.

Wembanyama arrived at the start of training camp refreshed and ready to go with the Spurs. He took time off after his stint in the NBA Summer League and called this past offseason perhaps the most important one of his career thus far.

Joining a new team in a different league will present its fair share of challenges for Wembanyama. There will be an adjustment period involving several factors, such as learning a new playbook.

“(The information) is coming very, very fast,” Wembanyama said. “The set plays, principals — a lot of stuff I’ve never seen before that I don’t know. It is hard but you got to be focused when you’re on the court because if you lose attention one second, you’re screwed for the next 15 minutes.”

The Spurs are using training camp to determine how Wembanyama will be used on the court. Head coach Gregg Popovich admitted this week it will be “cool” to figure out if Wembanyama would best be utilized as a center, power forward or small forward.

As is the case with most players, Wembanyama doesn’t seem to be all that concerned with which position he’ll play the most. He believes he can fit into nearly every role on the court.

It just goes without saying that I’m sometimes playing the same role as (point guard) Tre Jones, sometimes the same as (center) Zach Collins (or) sometimes as (forward) Devin Vassell. There are really no limitations. On a lot of set plays, on a lot plays, it really depends on where you are but I can be the point guard just like I can be the wing. It doesn’t matter.

While the on-court product takes shape, Wembanyama is enjoying the accommodations made possible by playing in the NBA. He admitted that his life was rather hectic with Metropolitans 92 and that he wasn’t just a player but that he also acted as a general manager of sorts.

Suffice it to say: The Spurs are taking care of him.

“I got to worry about a (expletive) ton of less stuff,” Wembanyama said. “I’m really more free. When I come in the morning, I know there are going to be (trainers) and coaches to take care of me no matter the hour of the day so my mind is more at rest than last year.”

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A rested Victor Wembanyama is ready to attack rookie season with Spurs

After a much-needed rest, Wembanyama returned and had his best offseason to date.

After debuting with the San Antonio Spurs in July, Victor Wembanyama vowed to disappear from the public eye while preparing for his rookie season.

The No. 1 pick did just that and is now ready to go with the Spurs.

Wembanyama took time off and got away for a couple of weeks following his two-game stint in the NBA Summer League. The time off, Wembanyama said on Monday, restored him mentally and physically: “I rested hard as hell.”

The much-needed break from basketball enabled him to return and work on his overall game. He also worked on his body and added an estimated 10-15 pounds of muscle over the summer.

“I have been working better than any other moment in my life; harder but also smarter,” Wembanyama said. “I think this offseason will make a difference not just for the upcoming season, (but also for) the next few years.”

The arrival of Wembanyama is expected to catapult the Spurs into the national spotlight. The team will be featured on ESPN or TNT 19 times this season as the group figures to be a must-watch now with such a generational talent on the roster.

He had a so-so showing with the Spurs in summer league. He struggled in his debut but responded with an overall performance that mirrored many of his outings last season with Metropolitans 92 in France that made him the Most Valuable Player.

How will the Spurs utilize him? Even Gregg Popovich isn’t sure yet.

Is Wemby going to be a five? Is he going to be a four? Is going to be a three? Is he going to play alongside Zach (Collins) in the post? Is he a perimeter player? What is he? Who does he fit best with out there? What should the rotations be? A lot of really cool questions that we’ll get to answer.

Said Wembanyama of his role: “I know I can bring some help to this team and the best way for me to help is to not put me in a box, I think. (Coach Popovich) is learning to know me and I’m learning to know him. We know we are going to make something original, something special.”

The Spurs, Popovich said, will watch Wembanyama throughout the first few weeks of training camp to better understand how he will play and use his body on the court. He has been very receptive in the early going, something the team has been impressed with.

Wembanyama will certainly have ups and downs throughout the year, as is common with first-year players. He has leaned on those around him for advice and will continue to do so as the Spurs begin training camp on Tuesday.

“I got a whole lot to learn,” Wembanyama said. “I can just turn to whoever, even the guys who have just 2-3 years in this league, and I know they have good advice for me. They have proven it in these past few months. I’m really excited and happy to be here.”

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Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama confirms plans to play for France in 2024 Olympics

Wembanyama on Tuesday reaffirmed his plan to play for his country in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama on Tuesday reaffirmed his plan to play for his country in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 11-Aug. 11.

Wembanyama, who was born in Le Chesnay, stated his intentions to French media during a press conference for “Un1que,” a documentary that followed him last season with Metropolitans 92. He is expected to be among a large contingent of NBA players that will suit up for France.

“Succeeding in the Olympics would be a great story,” Wembanyama said, via L’Equipe. “There will be no goal other than gold. I will of course be present at the Olympics.”

Wembanyama debuted with the French senior team last year in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, averaging 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and one assist. He also played twice with the junior team, most recently in the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

The No. 1 pick opted against participating with France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer. He intended to play but decided to sit in order to prepare for his upcoming rookie season with the Spurs.

Without Wembanyama, France failed to make it to the second round of the tournament despite having Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert on the roster. Despite an early exit, France, as the host country, is among eight countries already qualified for the 2024 Games.

“I watched the World Cup and the result was very disappointing,” Wembanyama said. “However, I am not worried. I have no judgment to make. I was not on the team and it is in the hands of top-level players. I feel that this does not alter the opportunity to do something big in Paris next year.”

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Report: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama likely to play PF to start rookie year

When Victor Wembanyama hits the court with the Spurs, the No. 1 pick will likely do so as the starting power forward.

When Victor Wembanyama hits the court for the first time with the San Antonio Spurs, the No. 1 pick will likely do so as the team’s starting power forward, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Standing at well over 7 feet, there has been some conversation regarding which position Wembanyama will play this season with the Spurs: power forward or center. According to Charania:

Wembanyama is a player that’s going to have generational ability in the league. Expect him to play power forward, the four position, to start off his NBA career. The Spurs will look for Zach Collins to be a guy to provide size next to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt.

Wembanyama is listed at 7 feet, 4 inches, and 210 pounds by the Spurs.

He has the versatility to play at either power forward or center, depending on how the Spurs run certain lineups. However, the decision to play him at the 4 will likely ensure an easier transition in the early going due to the size and physicality of some of the big men in the league.

The Spurs will likely be able to take better advantage of Wembanyama and his overall ability with him lined up as a power forward. He will present a matchup problem for most opposing players and it should enable him to utilize more of his game.

The expectation level for Wembanyama is high this season as the Frenchman looks to help the Spurs take the next step in their rebuild. The collective basketball world is eager to see how he handles the transition, and it should make for an exciting year.

The Spurs open the preseason on Oct. 9 at Oklahoma City.

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NBA 2K24: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday.

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday across all platforms around the world.

The latest installment of NBA 2K features three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, also allows for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, many are curious to see how the rookie class would be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, previously revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year. With the game officially available for purchase around the world, the grades for each rookie have been unveiled.

Here are the ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Paul George on NBA Rookie of the Year: ‘I’m going to go with Chet’

George recently made his prediction for the Rookie of the Year award and the eight-time All-Star chose a player on his former team.

Los Angeles Clippers forward George recently made his prediction for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and the eight-time All-Star chose a player on his former team: Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren is considered a rookie this season after missing all of last year with a foot injury. He returned to game action in four summer league games, averaging 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, two assists and one steal.

The former second pick is one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year, along with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson. George, speaking on “Podcast P” this week, believes Holmgren has the advantage to win.

It is going to come down to who is going to play more. I’m going to go with Chet just because I think he is going to play a ton. They’re going to be a winning team. The way they play is going to be fun to watch and I think he is going to get a lot of coverage because he plays both ends — he blocks shots.

He is a little bit further along I think than Wemby is. Wemby is going to have a little learning curve. I know Chet didn’t play much due to the injury his rookie year but being in the league, seeing the game up close for a year is going to give him that much more of a head start.

Wembanyama is viewed as the favorite to win (minus-135) with Holmgren next (plus-350) and Henderson third (plus-400), according to DraftKings. Charlotte forward Brandon Miller has the fourth-best odds (plus-1200) and Houston forward Cam Whitmore is fifth (plus-2000).

Holmgren will likely have the best chance of winning the award outside of Wembanyama given the Thunder project to compete for a playoff spot and have more success than the Spurs. That will likely play a major factor in the minds of the voters next year.

Of course, the odds will continue to fluctuate throughout the year as the top prospects develop and progress with their respective teams, which should make for an interesting race to follow.

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NBA 2K24: The known ratings for the first round of the 2023 draft class

2K Sports has unveiled several player ratings for NBA 2K24, including over half of the first round of the draft.

2K Sports has unveiled several player ratings for NBA 2K24 ahead of the global release of the popular video game on Sept. 8, including the incoming rookie class.

The latest installment of NBA 2K will feature three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, will also allow for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates set to be unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, plenty are curious to see how the rookie class will be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, has revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year, including No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. In total, 16 ratings have been released so far.

Here are the known ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.