Victor Wembanyama struggles in highly anticipated Spurs Summer League debut

There had been ovations when Victor Wembanyama took the court docket at Thomas & Mack Center and was launched to the sold-out crowd on Friday evening.

The packed home was buzzing when Wembanyama received the opening tip for the Spurs and touched the ball for the primary time.

There had been gasps when the No. 1 total decide within the NBA Draft final month displayed the unbelievable athleticism in his 7-foot-4 body, almost threw down a baseline dunk with cartoonishly lengthy strides or dealt with the ball within the open court docket.

Eventually, the excitement died down as actuality hit — that is going to take time.

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Wembanyama, who has been hailed as the most effective prospect since LeBron James, struggled towards energy and quickness.

His shot wasn’t falling — he missed seven of his first eight makes an attempt — and he was at instances passive.

He shot an airball on a contested three-pointer and appeared fatigued within the second half.

Wembanyama was even dunked on by Kai Jones after switching and rotating again late.

He did sink a three-pointer late within the fourth quarter after lacking his first 5, and the group exploded in cheers.

He wasn’t even the Spurs’ greatest participant Friday evening — that honour went to former St. John’s star Julian Champagnie, who had 20 factors, eight rebounds and 6 assists in a 76-68 win over the Hornets.

Wembanyama completed with 9 factors on 2-for-13 capturing, eight rebounds and 5 blocks in 27 minutes.

Consider it an introduction to the problem that awaits.

As wondrous and distinctive as Wembanyama could also be, he’s getting into the unknown. Not even James confronted stress this intensive.

The social media hot-take period is able to anoint or lambaste the expert large man and it didn’t disappoint after his first hit out.

The Athletic’s Joe Vardon mentioned: “Victor Wembanyama’s Summer League debut was, well, forgettable.”

Another Athletic reporter Tony Jones mentioned: “The only thing I take from Wemby’s debut is there’s probably just never going to be another LeBron James, so we probably shouldn’t be comparing 19 year olds to him.

“Everything is there for Wemby. It’s just going to take time and strength training.”

Fox Sports’ Skip Bayless added: “It was just one Summer League game, but I must admit, I wasn’t blown away by what I saw from Victor Wembanyama. He was well taught. He plays the right way. Astonishing skill for his astonishing height. But I didn’t see will-imposing or, obviously, physically dominant.”

There had been even just a few transient, however audible, “overrated” chants Friday.

Odds are, Wembanyama will discover criticism earlier than reward. Go check out current phenoms. They lose upon their arrival within the NBA as a result of the worst groups are in place to draft them. The Cavaliers went 35-47 in James’ first season. The Pelicans had been 30-42 in Zion Williamson’s first season. It takes time to vary that.