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Victor Wembanyama to skip the rest of NBA Summer League
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Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs shoots in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP
Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs shoots in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP

Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs shoots in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP

French prospect Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs will not play in the rest of the NBA Summer League games, according to ESPN.

Wembanyama dropped a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds in his second Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday. In the post-game press conference, he said he will talk to head coach Gregg Popovich to decide if he will continue to play in the pre-season event.

"I know I got to talk with Pop," Wemby said. "I'm going to listen to what he's going to say, but I'm ready to make any sacrifice for the team and give 100 percent."

Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Bryce McGowens of the Charlotte Hornets in the game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 7, 2023. /CFP
Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Bryce McGowens of the Charlotte Hornets in the game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 7, 2023. /CFP

Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs blocks a shot by Bryce McGowens of the Charlotte Hornets in the game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 7, 2023. /CFP

Wembanyama performed in very different ways in the two games he played against the Charlotte Hornets and the Trail Blazers respectively. In the former on July 7, he only made two of his 13 field goals (FGs) to get nine points, eight rebounds and three assists with three turnovers. The lack of power became his biggest weakness as he couldn't maintain good shooting form or take good rebounding positions after making contact with defenders.

Moreover, though many praised his dribble skills when he was playing in the French basketball league LNB Pro A, he is too tall and too slow to attack off the dribble in front of NBA guards, who could easily poke the ball out the 2.24-meter-tall giant's hands. It is still too early and too unrealistic to call Wembanyama a combination of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both of who have much stronger lower dribble and much better protection of the ball.

Of course, it was not all bad news for Wemby in his first game. He turned the Spurs' paint into a no-fly zone with his size, wingspan and athleticism. The five blocks recorded on his stats sheet didn't tell the whole story of him dominating the floor on the defensive end. He was everywhere to protect the rim, deflect the opponents' shots from the perimeter and even tried to catch the ball-handler through screen.

Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs dunks in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP
Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs dunks in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP

Victor Wembanyama (#1) of the San Antonio Spurs dunks in the NBA Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 10, 2023. /CFP

Wemby's rebound performance in the second game had a lot to do with his improved shooting touch. With his height and wingspan, not many players could deflect his shooting when he used teammate's screen to attack without the ball. When he stayed hot, he shot 5-for-10 in jumpers, including making two triples.

Wembanyama revealed after Monday's game that he will stay away from media for at least the next month so he can focus on preparing for his rookie season in the NBA.

"Like, this past month, I think basketball wasn't even 50 percent of my schedule," he said. "I can't stand it. I know it's a special moment in my life, but I'm just glad it's over, honestly. I just want to hoop, work out and lift."

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