Everybody looks up to somebody, even San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. Making an appearance on M6 Info with Fenerbache forward Gabby Williams to discuss their experience with France’s national basketball teams in the Paris Olympics, the 7-foot-4 showstopper opened up about a conversation he had with his “youth icon” after the final round of the men’s tournament.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Details 1-On-1 With ‘Youth Icon’
Revealing that Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is his “personal childhood favorite” (h/t EuroHoops), Wembanyama details the conversation he had with the 14-time NBA All-Star at the conclusion of the gold medal game.
“He’s my youth icon,” Wembanyama says. “…I made it clear to him that I wanted to learn from him and perhaps steal one or two of his secret techniques.”
‘We Got You’
At the time, it was thought that Durant was consoling Wembanyama more than anything. Taken over by emotion after Team USA outlasted France, the big man was spotted crying on the bench, displaying a level of passion that people love to see from players.
They just kick started his supervillain origin story
Yeah the US won but at what cost 😔 pic.twitter.com/SISIlFCf1J
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) August 10, 2024
As the two teams lined up to shake hands, a sobbing Wembanyama was spotted with Durant.
Kevin Durant est venu réconforter Wemby en pleures après le match. ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/yXu3J3p3nz
— Kevin Durant France (@KDurant_FR) August 10, 2024
The words that came out of Durant’s mouth were unclear, but it looked like he was saying “we got you.” Of course, stories about Wembanyama wanting to pick the brain of great players aren’t uncommon. Still, as the art of lip reading isn’t concrete evidence, it was merely speculation.
Now, there’s no doubt that Wembanyama was seeking out advice.
Kevin Durant, The Mentor
When considering both Durant’s skill level and physical profile, he may not find a better mentor. Though he denies it, it’s long been suggested that Durant is actually a true 7-footer. At 240 pounds, he’s long and lanky, his spindly limbs leading to nicknames like ‘Durantula’ and ‘Slim Reaper.’
The fact that he has a guard’s shooting touch at a center’s height isn’t lost on anyone. Indeed, when people consider the most skilled 7-footers of all-time, Durant’s name consistently crops up on the list. So, as Wembanyama looks to improve as a scorer, he’s found a terrific mentor.
As of right now, the most simple way that Durant could help Wembanyama is by helping him improve his 3-point shooting. As a rookie, Wembanyama shot 32.5 percent from 3. In the Olympics, he made just 28.9 percent of his 3s. For comparison, Durant is a career 38.7 percent 3-point shooter and made 51.9 percent of his 3s in Paris.
Durant could also help Wembanyama improve his ability to score off the dribble. Whether it’s creating space with a crossover or after feeling his opponent’s body, this is a nuanced part of Durant’s game that’s helped him become a four-time NBA scoring champion.
However, Durant’s love of the game and meticulous training have as much to do with his success as his God-given talent and physical attributes. He’s not one of the players who rests on their laurels or relies on their natural ability.
This is a trait that he shares with Wembanyama. In fact, it’s one of the reasons that he’ll probably make time to workout with the Frenchman. Not only would Wembanyama have his respect as a member of his prized NBA fraternity, he has a rare combination of skill and work ethic.
