Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Shut Down for Rest of NBA Summer League After 2 Appearances | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Ava Arnold The Victor Wembanyama Show in Las Vegas has officially come to an end.
According to Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News, the San Antonio Spurs said the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has been shut down for the remainder of summer league after playing in two games this past weekend.
Finger noted that the Spurs never intended for Wembanyama to play beyond this weekend, saying, "All along, two games was the plan. Spurs wanted him to get a taste of the NBA, and he got it. Team saw what it wanted to see, now giving him a break after a busy 12 months."
Wembanyama struggled mightily in his summer-league debut on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets, shooting 2-of-13 from the field and admitting he "didn't really know what I was doing on the court, but I'm trying to learn." The 19-year-old bounced back in a big way on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers with a 27-point, 12-rebound performance.
While he won't be playing for the rest of summer league, Wembanyama said after Sunday's game that he intends to remain active in preparation for the 2023-24 season.
"Like, this past month, I think basketball wasn't even 50 percent of my schedule," Wembanyama said. "I can't stand it. I know it's a special moment in my life, but I'm just glad it's over, honestly. I just want to hoop, work out and lift."
Wembanyama faces massive expectations despite being a rookie, as many touted him as the best prospect to enter the league since LeBron James in 2003. The Spurs are surely hoping the time off will benefit him as he embarks on his NBA career.