Victor Wembanyama shines after slow start to NBA Summer League
After a poor performance in his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut in Las Vegas, Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points in Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
As the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the French teenager will live up to the expectations. He also got a crash course in becoming a sports star in the United States. Wembanyama wasn't even ready to play in the first game of the NBA 2K24 Summer League when he made headlines last week for an altercation with pop star Britney Spears in Sin City.
Spears' circus-like distraction could lead to a "lackluster debut" on Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets. However, Wembanyama bounced back with a better overall performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
According to DraftKings' NBA Awards market, Wembunyama is the favorite to win the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year at -130 odds.
Ice-Cold Wembanyama scores 9 points in debut
The Spurs take on the Hornets in their NBA 2K24 Summer League debut on Friday night. The game was the most popular in Las Vegas, with additional tickets fetching $200 on the secondary market. The Thomas and Mack Center was packed for the first time experiencing Wembanyama.
"Special moment," Wembanyama told reporters of his first game."It's really special to put on this jersey for the first time. It's truly an honor."
A nervous Wembunyama looked disoriented at times on defense in the first quarter, especially in transition. He struggled to find shooting opportunities on offense, making 2 of 13 shots, including 1 of 6 three-pointers. On several possessions in the fourth quarter, he hit a few air balls from beyond the arc.
Wembanya completed his Summer League debut with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists.
"Overall, I think he's done a good job," Spurs summer coach Matt Nelson said. "You can tell his basketball IQ is elite."
The Spurs defeated the Hornets 76-68 in an ugly game that featured poor offense from both teams.
Wembanyama gave up 27 points in Game 2
Wimbanyama bounced back with an even stronger performance in his second summer league game on Sunday. The Trail Blazers defeated the Spurs 85-80, but all eyes were once again on Wembanyama.
I hope we can win the game," Wembanyama said."I could have done more to help my team win the game. We must keep learning. We haven't been at our best for about three quarters. We really dominated the fourth quarter. It shows the personality of the team. "
Wembanyama had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. His offense looked much better, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and 2-for-4 from 3-point range.
Wembunyama's defense was more focused in the second game. He showed his defensive prowess with 8 blocks in the first two games. In addition to his three blocks on Sunday, he made countless changes. He could have produced more blocks if the Trail Blazers hadn't deliberately avoided him in the paint.
On Monday, rumors surfaced that Wembanyama could miss the remainder of the Summer League. If that's the case, it's because Spurs don't want to risk getting their top young players injured.
Scott Henderson and Amen Thompson are out
In Las Vegas, several lottery picks were sidelined after both injuries occurred in the same game on Friday night. The Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 100-99, but both teams lost the No. 1 pick.
Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and the top guard prospect in the rookie class, during the third quarter of his NBA 2K24 Summer League debut Injury to middle right shoulder. Henderson did not return to the game but had 15 points, six assists and five rebounds before exiting early.
Scot is awesome," Trail Blazers summer league coach Jonah Herscu said."If he has an offensive mindset and continues to attack, that's really good. The point guard is the first line of defense, so I thought he pressured Amen Thompson really well and caught him near half court in the backcourt. He was playing well tonight. "
The Trail Blazers will suspend Henderson for the remainder of the summer. According to DraftKings, Henderson currently has a +400 chance to win NBA Rookie of the Year.
The Rockets selected forward Amen Thompson with the fourth overall pick in the draft. Thompson played 28 minutes and scored 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 steals.
Thompson sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter, ending his summer league debut. An MRI revealed Thompson had a grade-two ankle sprain, which will also sideline the Rockets for the remainder of the summer. Thompson has a +2500 chance to win Rookie of the Year.
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