Victor Wembanyama has played two NBA Summer League games after getting drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs last month. After a somewhat flat debut, he impressed in his second game scoring 27 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking three shots. Now, multiple sources have reported that Wembanyama will sit out the remainder of the Summer League for the Spurs. Here are three reasons why this is in the best interest of the rising superstar.
Victor Wembanyama Will Sit Remainder of NBA Summer League
Sitting Wembanyama Prevents Injury
Shutting Victor Wembanyama down for the rest of the summer league prevents him from getting injured for the next season. Last year, Chet Holmgren, a player of similar build and skill, injured himself in a pro pickup game last summer. While the game was not a part of the Summer League, it still was not worth getting hurt for the entire season. The Summer League is an excellent opportunity for players to work on their skills and play high-level competition. The Spurs are invested in their players’ development in the league but do not want to risk a generational talent like Wembanyama getting hurt before the actual season. Instead, he can continue to work on himself gradually for a sustainable, injury-free future.
He Can Focus on Getting Stronger
Every year, talented NBA prospects enter the league in their late teenage years. As a result, they have not maximized the strength of their bodies. The same applies to Victor Wembanyama, who enters the NBA as a 19-year-old. He is 7’4″ and weighs 209 pounds. If he gains strength, and allow his body to fill out more, he will compete better with other NBA centers. In ceasing his Summer League play, he can spend more time strengthening his body.
In addition, adding strength will help him play more in the future and prevent injuries. An article from the Gatorade Sports Science Exchange explains that “lower body strength has been shown to be a strong predictor of playing time… [while] upper body strength is responsible for successful under-the-basket movement” (2017). Wembanyama can increase his long-term playing ability by taking time to improve his lower and upper body strength.
He Can Re-Focus and Plan the Future
One of the challenges Wembanyama has faced since being drafted is his non-stop schedule. ESPN highlights how hectic things have been for him as he spoke to reporters recently. He claims: “This past month, I think basketball wasn’t even 50% of my schedule. I can’t stand it. 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.”
Wembanyama will have plenty of time to do all those things now that his Summer League play is over. Additionally, the article explains that he and the Spurs will take time to map out a plan to ensure he is ready for his first season in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama’s Summer League stint ends with averages of 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game.
