After playing just two games, 2023 first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama was shut down for the remainder of the NBA’s Summer League. The San Antonio Spurs rookie had an underwhelming debut but bounced back in the next match. As he takes a break before training camp, here is how the center performed in his first major league appearances.
Victor Wembanyama Summer League Analysis
Game 1
While Wembanyama received plenty of criticism for his first Summer League game performance, he still made an impact. He put up nine points on 15.4% shooting, along with eight rebounds, three assists, and five blocks. Most of his contributions were on the defensive end, providing excellent rim protection. He altered and blocked multiple shots inside and on the perimeter using his length and eight-foot wingspan, even swatting second-pick Brandon Miller’s deep attempt. The center also thrived as a help defender, double-teaming when needed and bailing out his teammates when their assignments beat them on a drive.
However, he did have some struggles defensively. The French phenom had trouble navigating screens, sometimes losing his opponent and allowing an open shot. He was also prone to jumping at fakes, although he would quickly recover thanks to his length. He spent some time guarding Miller, whose handles and footwork proved difficult for Wembanyama to keep up with.
Most of his lapses came on the offensive end through his inefficient scoring. He couldn’t take the lid off the basket for most of the game, going 2-for-13. His first shot was a missed layup, and an off pull-up and unsuccessful open dunk followed it up. Eventually, he converted a tough shot inside and hit a free throw to complete the and-one. After missing more open catch-and-shoot opportunities and drives, he made a three-pointer on a four-point play late in the fourth.
His inability to finish through contact was on full display against the Charlotte Hornets. The center’s frame and strength received most of the blame for that. He had difficulty posting up and had the ball stripped away multiple times when backing into the paint. He struggled to convert through contact and against physicality. Most notably, he seemed tired at times and admittedly said he needed to work on conditioning.
Wembanyama was still valuable offensively through his playmaking. He would scan the floor and quickly pass the ball using his court vision and instincts. The 19-year-old excelled at recognizing how he attracted the defence and used that awareness to find the open player. He also used some solid handles and moves but couldn’t finish. Despite his off performance, the Spurs beat the Hornets 76-68.
Game 2
Wembanyama showed why he was the first overall pick in the following game. He scored 27 points on an efficient 64.3% from the field, also chipping in 12 rebounds, one steal, and three blocks. While they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 85-80, the rookie had an impressive performance.
No. 1 got off to a slow start, but he had gotten into a rhythm by the second quarter. This time he was able to make open and challenging shots. He couldn’t connect from long distance but was very efficient from the charity stripe. He created space with his fluid handles in the post and used his height to his advantage. Oftentimes he would recover his misses as he dominated on the glass. And while he had no assists, he was still an active passer. He hit his teammates multiple times, but they couldn’t convert.
Wembanyama especially made his presence felt on the defensive end. He was an intimidating force in the paint, using his extraordinary length to close out and alter multiple shots. This even included blocking another three-point attempt and forcing some air balls from the perimeter. He also showed flashes of anticipating passes and cutting off passing lanes. He still had trouble keeping his positioning while boxing out and holding onto the ball in the paint. Some of the offensive boards he pulled down were stripped away.
The biggest takeaway from game two was that he looked more comfortable on the court, and Wembanyama played a major role in helping the Spurs almost complete the 19-point comeback.
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