Wembanyama reveals message to Durant after gold-medal game

Victor Wembanyama (right) talks to Kevin Durant (left). Just Pictures

Victor Wembanyama reveals message to Kevin Durant after gold-medal game

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Aug 16, 2024 9:03 AM ET

It was all respect, and a bit of brutal honesty, from Victor Wembanyama to Kevin Durant following their gold-medal matchup at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Wembanyama helped France hang tough with Team USA before the Americans pulled away to a 98-87 victory. After the game, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year talked with future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant, whom he revealed is his favorite childhood player.

During an interview with M6 Info, Wembanyama spoke about what he said to Durant following the gold-medal matchup (h/t ClutchPoints).

"This is my personal childhood favorite," Wembanyama said. "He became my favorite player… I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him (and) perhaps only steal one or two of his secret techniques."

“He became my favorite childhood player… I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him [and] perhaps only steal 1 or 2 of his secret techniques.”

Victor Wembanyama on his conversation with Kevin Durant after the gold medal game

(via @m6info / YT)pic.twitter.com/wbTDvFpsG7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 15, 2024

Wembanyama grew up watching some of the league's current best players, including the likes of Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

The fact that he faced his favorite childhood player in such a high-profile game adds to what has been a great first year in the NBA and at the Olympic level for Wembanyama.

Considering Wembanyama's skillset and dominance in year one at the NBA level while only 18-years-old, it's safe to assume there'll be no shortage of future players who idolize the San Antonio Spurs' budding star in the years to come.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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