Generational prospect won't play in NBA Summer League

The 7’4” Frenchman will be the No. 1 overall pick by San Antonio in the June 22 draft, but the Spurs aren’t going to rush him onto the court. Yes, Coach Popovich and the whole Spurs franchise are pioneers of the NBA’s “load management” movement, but with Wembanyama, it’s just common sense.

Wemby played professionally in France last season, winning the top French pro league and taking home nearly every award possible. He was the league MVP, All-Star MVP, Best Scorer, Best Defender, Best Blocker and - for the third straight year - Best Young Player.

Wembanyama has been dominating a league full of grown men. He doesn’t need to prove himself against teenagers and undrafted free agents at any summer league.

He also played much longer than his potential competition, with his pro season stretching into mid-May. There’s no reason for the Spurs to rush him back into exhibition play six weeks later. Trust us, they’ve got plenty of game tape on Big Victor.

The recent history of top picks at Summer League might give the Spurs pause as well. Zion Williamson and Markelle Fultz both suffered injuries that kept them out for significant time during Summer League games. And even when a top pick stays healthy, he’s usually shut down early, like the Magic did with Paolo Banchero after two games last summer.

So there will be no cure for Wembanyama Fever until the preseason begins. We think he’ll be worth the wait.