The NBA gives him a great gift. But don't do it just to please him, obviously. In the big league and as always in the United States, it is well known: “business is business”. And the two meetings organized this week in Paris with the San Antonio Spurs were not chosen by chance. They illustrate a new trend which is becoming more and more established: Victor Wembanyama is one of the faces of the NBA. And will surely be the future headliner of the League. Wise about the world around him, Wemby is also well aware of what it represents. “The influence I can have, I try to make it positive. And use it as a gift“, slipped the French giant this Wednesday after Spurs training on the floor of the Accor Arena.
So, of course, Wembanyama is relishing this return to his land. On Tuesday, he was able to inaugurate two pitches in his town of Chesnay – “one of his dreams” –. And Monday evening, he brought his teammates to the restaurant after showing them the room at the Palais des sports Maurice Thorez in Nanterre where he spent many years. In short, he's having a blast. “His face has brightened since our arrival. We see how important it is for him to be able to share this with his teammates and the people here. He's really proud to be able to show where he grew up and where he played as a kid“, appreciates his coach Mitch Johnson, who replaces the legendary Gregg Popovich, still recovering.
It reminds me of my responsibilities
Veteran Chris Paul is also enjoying this little mid-season excursion in the wake of his young teammate. “'Vic' is really different. He likes to give, to make sure we enjoy the experience like trying the food. He really wants us to be comfortable. And he's a smart kid. For example, he told us the history of the Louvre. I appreciate that“, admitted the multiple All Star leader. But if he has fun introducing his teammates to the playgrounds of his youth and its culture, the first French number 1 in the NBA draft is not there as a tourist .And he knows it too.
-In a few days in Paris, his schedule is very busy. His presence is, for example, expected in certain major events, such as at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday for PSG-Manchester City. Because he is there to sell the NBA, delighted to possess such a UFO which fascinates the crowds and goes beyond the framework of basketball both in France and in the rest of the world… “All these events show theimpact you can have as an NBA player. And it reminds me of the responsibilities I have. We can bring emotions, and unite people“, confesses the French giant.
Nevertheless “we keep in mind the main objective“, warns Wemby, whose first hours in France were “incredible.”I feel a different energy. But I'm waiting to see what it will be like on match days, he announces about the craze. It's still different from the last times, it's a different fan base. There are people who wait their whole lives to see an NBA game“. The former Nanterre player hopes to “give back a little to the French public” with these two meetings.
“It’s really important for me,” he announces, while he is focused on trying to allow his team to return to victory. “Even though it’s an incredible context for me, I have a responsibility to my teammates and my coaches.” Just like with the French public. And from the NBA, over the moon to have a new headliner of this stature…
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