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Victor Wembanyama shares key lessons learned from Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett
Photo by SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama is set to begin his third season in the NBA, returning with the San Antonio Spurs.

His 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a blood clot issue, forcing the 21-year-old to miss significant time.

However, he is now fully cleared and expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.

This year brings higher expectations for both Wembanyama and the Spurs. They are hoping to make a move up the Western Conference standings, with the Frenchman aiming at his first playoff appearance.

Victor Wembanyama valued the ‘super useful’ time spent with Hakeem Olajuwon


Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Wembanyama spent time with NBA legends during the summer.

He posted a photo on Instagram of himself training with Hakeem Olajuwon.

The 21-year-old later spoke about what he took away from his time with the ‘The Dream’.

“He’s still got it, he’s 62. It was incredible, because it felt natural, his advice, even though it was a lot, it felt like I was absorbing it every day, and it was just a few days.”

“Man, super useful. And he still got it. It’s natural for him and it looked like it was a pleasure for him to teach. I would want to go again for sure.”

Victor Wembanyama on Kevin Garnett’s unique leadership perspective

Wembanyama also caught up with Kevin Garnett during the offseason.

A photo of the two together surfaced online after Wembanyama’s visit to the Shaolin Temple, drawing plenty of attention.

Reflecting on their meeting, the Frenchman spoke about what stood out to him from his time with ‘The Big Ticket’.

“He’s got a very unique perspective on the relationship as a leader, relationship with teammates and opponents, even the refs,” Wembanyama began by saying.

“I think he’s really smart emotionally, he’s got this energy, but he knows how to channel it and use it for the best.”

Wembanyama played 46 games last season, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game. After a summer spent recovering and learning from some of basketball’s greats, he looks set for his best campaign yet.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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