(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
For months now, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has battled against the pressures of expectations.
On Friday night, he battled against something else entirely: an actual NBA team.
Wembanyama made his Summer League debut in a game against the Charlotte Hornets and thousands of rabid fans sat in the stands, eager to see the young French player being called the future of the league.
In the end, Wembanyama had a good-but-not-great night, scoring 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks.
Victor Wembanyama tonight:
9 Points
8 Rebounds
5 Blocks
3 Assists
2/13 FGM
1/6 3PM pic.twitter.com/ceatdxoY54
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 8, 2023
Everyone knew that the responses to Wembanyama’s first game were going to be immediate and strong.
Sure enough, Twitter lit up with people stating their opinions about this official debut.
Some were harsh, calling Wembanyama a “FUTURE BUST IN THE MAKING.”
FUTURE BUST IN THE MAKING
— 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙊𝙛𝙛𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣 (@TakeOffBron) July 8, 2023
Others were shocked by his low offensive output and gave him a new nickname: “Vricktor,” declaring him king of the bricks.
Vricktor
— JPChamp03 (@JPChamp03) July 8, 2023
But plenty of others called on fans to give Wembanyama patience, saying that he will improve his shooting as he gets more practice.
They said that his passing was already impressive, which is undeniable.
Additionally, they reminded others that his defensive skills were on full display too, as made evident by those five blocks.
Obviously has a lot of pressure on him but he’ll be fine his passing & defense was solid just gotta make the shots
— Dani (@Danizeh) July 8, 2023
Meanwhile, plenty of people weren’t terrified by what they saw from Wembanyama, knowing that it’ll take some time before he adjusts to the pace and intensity of the NBA.
Chill on him guys
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜 (@BronGotGame) July 8, 2023
This is exactly what Summer League is about: it lets young rookies find their footing and gets them ready for the long, intense season.
After the game, Wembanyama himself said that he has room to improve and is excited to build his stamina, his strength, and his on-court skill.
It doesn’t sound like he was blown away by what he did Friday night.
He isn’t satisfied and wants to get much better and that’s terrific news for fans of the Spurs.
The post Fans React To Victor Wembanyama’s Summer League Debut appeared first on The Cold Wire.