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NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama walked into the perfect situation Thursday.
The San Antonio Spurs selected the French star with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and the 7-foot, 4-inch phenom is on his way to play for Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich. Wembanyama should rejuvenate a franchise that won five NBA titles from 1999-2014 and that has a history of turning international players into stars and champions.
There was no suspense or subterfuge involving the pick. Whoever won the draft lottery had Wembanyama No. 1 on the draft board.
He broke down in tears after walking across the stage, wearing a Spurs hat after NBA commissioner Adam Silver called his name. He celebrated with his family – including his sister and brother during an ESPN interview on an overstuffed couch.
“I can’t really describe it,” Wembanyama said. “It’s still fresh. One of the best feelings of my life. Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible.”
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The league set off on a new course, captained by 19-year-old Wembanyama, who has a game made for stardom in today’s NBA – an elite offensive and defensive skill set.
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He spent the past three seasons playing in France’s Pro A league, and last season, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks and shot 47% from the field. He led the league in scoring, rebounding and blocks and was named the youngest regular-season MVP in Pro A history. He was also the Defensive Player of the Year.
The expectations and hype are massive. Wembanyama has been called a generational talent and the most promising prospect since LeBron James was chosen No. 1 by Cleveland in 2003.
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Wembanyama doesn’t face the same pressure of rescuing his hometown team as James did two decades ago, but there is pressure to meet expectations and pull the Spurs out of their playoff doldrums. They haven’t made the postseason since 2019, following a stretch in which they made the playoffs 22 consecutive times.
During that time, the Spurs had some combination of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Popovich has coached two of the best big men in NBA history and has a track record of getting the most out of players.
Popovich said Thursday that Wembanyama expressed an interest working with Duncan and he has embraced San Antonio. He said he wants to learn how to speak Spanish and can’t wait to sample the area’s breakfast tacos. He said his earliest memory of the Spurs are the 2013 and 2014 teams that reached the NBA Finals and won it 2014.
“My message to them (fans) is I’m going to give 100%, make all that’s in my power to make this franchise win, to have impact on the franchise and the fan base and the community,” Wembanyama said.
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Given his French connection to Parker, Wembanyama was pleased the Spurs won the draft lottery and he can begin his career with the franchise.
“I was feeling lucky,” Wembanyama said, “that they got the pick as a franchise that has that culture and that has experience in winning and in making, creating good players, so I really can’t wait.”
Asked what his objective is for his rookie season, Wembanyama didn’t list a personal goal such as Rookie of the Year.
“Some players have tried to win the championship, win a ring for years and haven’t made it,” he said. “I don’t want to be one of those. My goal is going to be to get closer and closer every time to the ring and to learn how to make it.”
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt
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