Victor Vunbanyama: Showed depth of preparation with impressive pre-season performance
After a mixed performance in the NBA Summer League, Vembanyama was withdrawn from the game by the Spurs and sent to a training camp lab to continue working on his skills and adapting to NBA rules.
It was a quiet time and little was heard from the French. But the ensuing results impressed onlookers.
Wembanyama seemed to be struggling with his body and conditioning against the Charlotte Hornets in July, but when he played for the Spurs on October 9 against the Oklahoma City Thunder (121-122) When he played in the first official preseason game, people had doubts about his ability. His performance of 20 points in just 19 minutes made him stand out.
What is even more reassuring is that Wembanya seems to have become more picky in the game and more aggressive in both offense and defense.
His first basket of the night was a two-handed dunk that was later denied Jaylen Williams, was selected to the All-Rookie Team last season.He also works with Chet HolmgrenAs the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the French star is not shy about showing off his abilities.
At one point in the game, Vembanama drove past the Oklahoma City Thunder big man and finished with a layup. Meanwhile, Holmgren was left on the floor.
If there was anything his size and skill could do at power forward against the Thunder, “Womby” seemed to have unlocked another gear four days later at center against the Miami Heat (120-104).
He scored 23 points in 23 minutes, along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. But it was his series of highlights that stole the show, including an alley-oop in the second quarter.
If he seemed a bit disjointed before, against Miami, Wembunyama was involved throughout the game, showing a marked improvement in his understanding of the NBA game, especially on defense.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Wembanyama mentioned his efforts to achieve such a performance.
“I’m still learning how to defend, like press,” the Spurs player said.
“I’m definitely learning a lot, and I’m also trying to expand my defensive tools,” he added. “I think we’re on the right path. We still have a lot to learn about ourselves and our teammates, but we’re on the right path.”