The All-Star weekend in Indiana proved to be full of pleasure for rookie Victor Wembanyama. His schedule was packed, beginning with a notable look alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver at Thursday night time’s tech summit, adopted by the Rising Star recreation and the Talent Contest competitors.
But, my private spotlight of all the weekend unfolded throughout Wemby’s interview with the TNT crew on Saturday night time, simply earlier than the ability competitors. The rookie engaged in an eight-minute dialog with Shaq, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, sharing insights into his NBA journey. Notably, the interview gained consideration for a specific second when Wemby unintentionally dropped an F-bomb on nationwide tv.
In equity, the rookie was quoting Coach Popovich throughout a movie session the group had a number of months in the past. Can we actually fault him for the slip of language? Regardless, the TNT crew embraced Wemby’s candid response.
Amid the banter, Victor opened up concerning the challenges he has confronted this season, significantly coping with the Spurs’ string of losses. The continual defeats have made it mentally taxing for Wemby to remain targeted on a nightly foundation. It marked the second time the rookie publicly acknowledged the demanding psychological facet of navigating the NBA grind.
The interview concluded on a humorous observe, with Victor playfully impersonating Shaq’s rant about saving cash on filling up his automobile. The “fuel math” didn’t fairly align with Shaq’s argument, prompting our very personal Marilyn Dubinski to realize fame for her tweet calling him out. In abstract, it was an eventful weekend for everybody concerned. Now, it’s time to get again to enterprise because the Spurs head to Sacramento on Thursday night time.
The rookie confirmed up in type in Indiana on Friday night time, rocking the cowboy hat!
Vic confessed that the cowboy apparel initially felt a bit odd, nevertheless it’s develop into his new regular. Will we be seeing extra of that iconic hat in his wardrobe?
️ Arrivé avec un chapeau de cow-boy avant de pointer l’éperon des Spurs, Victor Wembanyama s’est dit « très attaché à sa relation » avec San Antonio. « Au début, c’était la folie mais maintenant, c’est devenu regular ».pic.twitter.com/CCwYZkCe6A
— Théo Quintard (@TheoQuintard) February 17, 2024
From France to Indiana, a heartwarming second for childhood associates sharing the All-Star weekend expertise.
Regardless of competing in opposition to one another, Vic and teammate Jeremy Sohan relished the All-Star weekend collectively.
Might the rookie make a splash in subsequent yr’s 3-point capturing contest? The chance is intriguing.
Victor Wembanyama, who will take part within the Abilities Problem tomorrow, says he desires to take part within the 3-point contest and Slam Dunk Contest.
“Yeah, it’s on my bucket record.” pic.twitter.com/r9CgK5XYJw
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 17, 2024
Whereas Wemby loved his time in Indiana, the sting of dropping in each occasions he participated in lingered. His relentless aggressive spirit stays a driving power.
Wemby mentioned the sport was enjoyable in opposition to “guys who’re very promising,” however he mentioned he has “combined emotions” concerning the expertise.
“I hate dropping,” he mentioned.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 17, 2024
Requested about his Abilities Problem teammate Anthony Edwards capturing left-handed through the relay portion of the competitors, Wemby mentioned, “They needed to have enjoyable.”
After a slight pause, he added, “Enjoyable is profitable.”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 18, 2024
