In the heart of Paris, the excitement is palpable as Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the San Antonio Spurs, prepares to set foot on the floor of Bercy. Indiana Pacers player Pascal Siakam spoke Wednesday with a mix of anticipation and confidence, saying: “We know we’re in Paris: Wemby, the Spurs, everyone’s going to be cheering for them, but we’re ready .” This realization from Siakam underlines the importance of this meeting and the global reach of the NBA.
For the fourth time, the NBA is stopping in France, and the atmosphere is electric, especially with the return of Wembanyama, an athlete expected to leave a lasting mark on the sport. “I feel a different energy, for sure,” said Wembanyama, eager to experience the game-day atmosphere, in a venue that is expected to bring together both Basketball fans and celebrities.
Arriving in Paris on Monday, Wembanyama is not idle. His week has already been punctuated by a training session in Nanterre, a visit to his hometown of Chesnay on Tuesday and an appearance at the Louis Vuitton Fashion Week show, maintaining the rhythm of his new life under high exposure. With international media scrutinizing his every move, his presence at Bercy on Thursday is highly anticipated. This place has particular importance for him, having witnessed the defeat of the French team against the United States during the Olympic Games.
Reflecting on his return, Wembanyama said: “There are still Olympic decorations in the halls; it’s nice to be back here,” a testament to his commitment even after a tough training session.
Since the Olympics, Wembanyama has honed his skills, saying: “I have proven my worth in many areas, including getting to know myself and my teammates better. Statistically, I have progressed and maintained my other important statistics.” As the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he had an impressive rookie season, finishing as the league’s leading blocker with an average of 21.4 points per game, despite posting a record of 22 wins and 60 losses for the Spurs.
-This season he has elevated his performance, averaging 24.4 points and 4 blocks per game. The Spurs currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference with 19 wins. As Wembanyama targets an All-Star Game selection in February, the stakes have never been higher.
Siakam acknowledged Wembanyama’s formidable skills, saying: “We know he is very difficult to cover; he can do everything, so we can’t do it alone. We will do our best to handle him.” The Pacers, riding a two-game winning streak, will face a Spurs team looking to break a three-game losing streak.
Wembanyama recognizes the importance of these two matches in France, commenting: “Winning these matches is important, just like every other match.” He mentions his responsibility to his coaches and teammates, emphasizing his intense focus on tactical preparation. The French public is eagerly awaiting the brilliance that Wembanyama is ready to provide on Friday night when the San Antonio Spurs take on the Indiana Pacers.
