Victor Wembanyama clapped his palms, praising the gang. It’s a sight San Antonio Spurs followers are used to. In his first 12 months with the franchise, the large has confirmed to be mature past his years and grateful for the possibility to don the Silver and Black. This time, after a loss within the gold medal sport to the USA within the 2024 Paris Olympics, one thing was totally different.
Wembanyama left the court docket with tears in his eyes. If not for a barrage of three-pointers from arguably one of the best shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, Wemby would have gold hanging from his neck. Not solely would a France win give the 20-year-old phenom his first gold medal, however it will have been the primary time the nation gained Olympic gold within the sport. How becoming wouldn’t it have been for it to occur in Paris? The load of this second wasn’t misplaced on the younger massive man. The defeat may propel him to a different degree.
“I’m studying, and I’m apprehensive for the opponents in a few years,” Wembanyama informed reporters after the sport.
When requested if he meant in FIBA play or the NBA, Wemby responded: “All over the place.”
These moments are what make a famous person a champion. LeBron James needed to lose within the NBA Finals twice earlier than he gained a title. The identical participant that prevented Wembanyama from profitable the gold medal, Curry, took his lumps within the playoffs earlier than changing into one of the best participant in a dynasty. The distinction with Wembanyama is he’s getting these experiences extremely early in his profession.
The top of the Olympics ties a bow on Wemby’s rookie season. In his first season within the NBA, he gained Rookie of the 12 months, completed second in Defensive Participant of the 12 months, averaged 20 and 10, after which gained his nation a silver medal. He was named to the Olympic All-Star 5 together with Dennis Schröder, Curry, James and Nikola Jokic. Wembanyama was the Rising Star of the match. He’s already constructing a powerful resume after only one season. Most impactful rookies don’t get the possibility to earn accolades like this and play significant profitable basketball.
The Spurs had a poor file this season, however Wembanyama acquired playoff expertise within the Olympics. All through the occasion, he was the point of interest of opposing defenses. They pushed him off his spot, despatched double groups on submit touches and compelled him to be an outdoor shotmaker and playmaker. With out one other constant scoring presence, all eyes have been on Wembanyama and he delivered. He had 26 factors within the gold medal sport and led France in scoring for the Olympics.
He took loads of lumps too. Groups have been capable of disrupt his scoring rhythm and take him out of the sport in spurts. Throughout these durations he was nonetheless a playmaker and defensive anchor, exhibiting he can impression the sport in high-stakes conditions, even when he isn’t scoring. He’s additionally studying the necessity for go-to strikes and counters across the basket and on the perimeter when defenses key in on him. He wasn’t good in Paris, however this studying expertise ought to assist him hit the bottom working every time he makes the NBA Playoffs or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The basketball world was already terrified of what Wembanyama might grow to be earlier than the Olympics. This offseason (in the event you may even name it that) was essential for his improvement right into a future champion. The Olympics proved he can compete with one of the best of one of the best already. The expertise gained right here ought to give him an edge over different younger gamers as he appears to be like to compete for titles in San Antonio for years to return. Wembanyama’s Olympic tears of defeat might flip to tears of pleasure before all of us assume.
