The NBA will be returning to Paris for the third straight season in January, only this time, there's added excitement surrounding San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and his return to France to play two straight games.
Long legs in stride, Victor Wembanyama made his way up the small steps of the makeshift stage taking up the key of the San Antonio Spurs' home floor at Frost Bank Center.
But apart from his height, he wasn't quite the superstar off of the court the way he is now. In fact, according to French journalist"At the beginning, it was like that," Moubèche said. "He was able to work in the streets, but as the season continued, everybody started to know who he was. I will say, that he gained a new status by just coming to the NBA and being a star there.
As he was queried about the game and his team's loss to Los Angeles, his answers were as straightforward as the questions being asked. There wasn't much of a story to be told other than the fact that the Spurs had fallen short.But, instead of hiding in the locker room where only a select few reporters could reach him long after the game's final whistle, Wembanyama made himself available to the entire room.
The comical part? His first exposure to America besides the limited time he spent in New York City for the NBA Draft was Las Vegas.Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama competes during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Thomas & Mack Center. / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
The altercation settled a few weeks later once the investigation resulted in a non-charge for the Spurs' security team, but between that initial welcome and the rest of his time in Vegas for the remainder of Summer League — in which Wembanyama's two appearances yielded lackluster results eventually leading to his "disappearance" from the media — the rookie had a not-so-strong start to his American adventure.
As Wembanyama made his opening remarks, it was clear that the rookie wanted to be there. Did he still have much to learn? Absolutely. But he was buckled and ready for whatever was ahead.his Spurs jersey that same day. He held it up, allowing media to take the first photos of him holding it, and later, the first photos and videos of himHaving the replica Eiffel Tower there in the same room was a big deal as it was, especially given how proud the rookie is of his heritage and culture.
"I think it was a concerted effort to reward a lot of the French fans who have been very dedicated to the NBA and have been great fans for years," Bruno explained. "Now, they get the opportunity not only once, but twice."Well, hosting the NBA is certainly a big deal for any atypical location. When the league goes to Mexico City, fans flock to the arena to watch.
Until now, the league hasn't quite had a reason to favor one team over another when creating a global matchup. Wembanyama brings a clear allure to any game he plays in, let alone one in front of his own fans, who have likely felt seen as the foreign NBA landscape continues to grow.games in France. It perfectly fits their mission of expanding and connecting to fans on a greater level shown by their yearly matchups in Austin, as Brandon James explained.
Jan 11, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Fans take photos outside before a NBA Game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at AccorHotels Arena. / Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports Wembanyama is a superstar. That much is undisputed. He's a French superstar, now with a new understanding of American culture, which makes him even more unique.Feb 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsNot much about his eventual return is truly a first.
That was the effect that Wembanyama had. He was unique enough to warrant both national and international attention, and he knew it. So, the soon-to-be rookie decided to put on a show. Wembanyama took the ball he was dribbling to a little behind the half-court line, and given his body language, it was clear what he was about to do. He lined up his shot, and began his shooting motion.
Now, he's a seasoned American basketball star with a slightly different way of carrying himself. Being in the United States gave Wembanyama a chance to bridge it with France, and he's set to return the favor by going back in the form of a San Antonio superstar, bringing American fans with him across the bridge that he's built.
Holmgren didn't antagonize the Spurs directly, but he didn't need to. Anything that could prove Wembanyama's superiority over the 7-foot-1 center was going to be that way for the Spurs' fanbase.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Would Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama Have Fared in the Western Conference Finals?In an odd, alternate-reality-type scenario, Spurs on SI's Matt Guzman joined KENS5's Jeff Garcia on 'Locked On Spurs' to discuss how the Minnesota Timberwolves would look with Victor Wembanyama as their defensive anchor.
Read more »
Spurs Starter, May 29, 2024: San Antonio Rookie Victor Wembanyama Keeps ReceiptsYour daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft & more.
Read more »
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Perfectly Replied to Troll's Comment From Nearly 4 Years AgoSan Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama replied to an internet troll's comment from nearly four years ago in the pettiest of moves.
Read more »
Spurs Potentially Interested in Pairing 12x All-Star With Victor WembanyamaCould the San Antonio Spurs make a move for this Golden State Warriors veteran?
Read more »
San Antonio Spurs Starter, May 23, 2024: Victor Wembanyama Earns 7 All-NBA VotesYour daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft & more.
Read more »
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama denied spot on All-NBA teamThe Spurs' 22-60 record likely played a role in Victory Wembanyama's exclusion from the All-NBA team after a sensational rookie campaign
Read more »