“At 15% of his ability,” a very successful first NBA season for Victor Wembanyama

End the applause for the NBA regular season, the first for Frenchman Victor Vembanyama in the North American Basketball League. Rested by his San Antonio Spurs franchise in 82^e And in the last match of this 2023-2024 financial year, the native of Chesney (Yvelyn) therefore completed his debut across the Atlantic Ocean with a prestigious success, on Friday, against the Denver Nuggets (121-120). When it comes time to judge, the man who will be one of the faces of the Blues at the Paris Olympics believes he is “Currently 15% of its capacity”.

A very successful first season in the NBA

Expectations were high for Victor Vembanyama in this first season. The No. 1 pick in the draft — a kind of scholarship for players who want to join the NBA in June 2023 — the Frenchman made them. Both in the visual impact he left with each outing and his stat lines of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals, all in 71 games. Unheard of since 1976. The favorite for the title newbie Year (“Neophyte”), he is also in the best point guard discussion with fellow Minnesota native Rudy Gobert.

Up to 95% of the matches I try to realize how lucky I am to be on the floor.told “Wemby” on Sunday to a small panel of French journalists, including the worldwho saw him after the final meeting of the Spurs season – from which he was released. Sometimes it is very difficult because the match starts and I am very tired. I tell myself that I played one yesterday, another three days ago, and tomorrow I will play another. But, every time, I try to remember how lucky I am to be on the field. »

Doubts about his ability to handle the frenzied pace of the NBA quickly faded away, leaving room for another question. How far can he go? “I’d say I’m currently at 15% of my potential and the maximum I hope to achieve”, he says. With a very disruptive defense, crowned as the league’s best blocker, Victor Wembanyama refined his offensive panel as he took the pulse of the NBA and his unique style of play. “He’s made more progress in six months than some people do in five years, or even their entire career.”Brian Windhorst, a journalist of the American sports channel ESPN, explains.

After some experimentation by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, the Frenchman changed his register when he approached the circle and his teammates learned how to use it. “For me, this is the best newbie of historyJovan Buha, a journalist who follows the Los Angeles Lakers, appreciates Athletics. When he plays, it’s like a video game, but it’s reality. »