Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated rookie, made his debut in front of 13,200 fans at the newly renamed Frost Bank Center. It was a special moment for both Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs organization, as the No. 1 overall pick finally took the court in front of his team’s passionate supporters. The excitement in the arena was palpable, with almost every player on the court receiving a standing ovation. Wembanyama expressed his gratitude, saying, “It really warmed my heart to see that every time a player of our team stepped on the court, they almost had a standing ovation. It’s all I expected but it still feels good.”
The open scrimmage provided a glimpse into Wembanyama’s skills and potential impact on the team. The Spurs divided the roster into eight-man teams, with Wembanyama playing alongside centers Zach Collins and Charles Bediako. This combination allowed for various lineup configurations, showcasing Wembanyama’s versatility as a forward.
Early in the game, Wembanyama impressed with a no-look pass to Collins, demonstrating his court vision and playmaking abilities. He later scored nine points, including a step-back 3-pointer and an alley-oop finish. His passing skills were on full display when he went behind the back into a spin move before delivering a pinpoint pass to Devonte Graham for an open shot. Collins praised Wembanyama’s passing instincts, saying, “That’s just knowing the game. Him being a natural at it, that’s just his feel. He’s a willing passer and wants to pass. It’s fun to play with someone like that.”
Though Wembanyama and Collins have had limited court time together, the potential of their partnership is undeniable. Collins, known for his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, envisions a dynamic frontcourt where both players can alternate between the inside and outside positions. This versatility creates matchup problems for opponents, forcing them to choose between defending Wembanyama’s length and athleticism inside or guarding Collins’ shooting prowess on the perimeter.
Collins highlighted the importance of developing chemistry with Wembanyama, stating, “It’s a pick-your-poison type thing. So hopefully we can get that chemistry going. I think we have the skill sets, now it’s just about knowing where the other guy’s going to be at all times.” The preseason will provide valuable opportunities for Wembanyama and Collins to fine-tune their partnership and build a seamless connection in preparation for the regular season.
Wembanyama’s debut showcased his potential to make a significant impact for the San Antonio Spurs. His scoring, passing, and overall basketball IQ were evident, leaving fans excited about what the future holds for the budding star. As he continues to acclimate to the NBA and develop relationships with his teammates, Wembanyama’s growth and evolution will be closely monitored by both the organization and the fans.
The Spurs open their preseason schedule on Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be another opportunity for Wembanyama to further establish himself and continue his quest to become a cornerstone for the franchise. The rookie’s journey has only just begun, but the early signs are certainly promising, fueling anticipation and excitement among Spurs fans.
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