Victor Wembanyama shuts down reporter's question on managing expectations with no-nonsense reply: "Don’t have any responsibility to any of you"
Victor Wembanyama is just 20 years old, but the French star is proving to be wise beyond his years, especially when it comes to dealing with the media. While some of the league's younger players may be intimidated by the press, the San Antonio Spurs center has shown that he can be composed and direct when responding to difficult questions.
On Monday, Wembanyama made an appearance at the Spurs media day at the Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio. The young man was asked about the 2024/25 season and how he deals with the lofty expectations that have been placed on him.
"I just focus on my actual responsibilites. I don’t have any responsibility to any of you," Wembanyama said. "Just the guys in the locker room and in the training room."
After a stellar season that saw him win the Rookie of the Year award and lead the league in blocks, some believe the 7-foot-4 big man could develop into one of the most dangerous players soon. Wembanyama addressed his growth, but remained cautious about attaching himself to the game's elite players just yet:
"I can say I'm glad these abilites are being recognized. Eventually I am going to be in those conversations. As always my emphasis is always going to be on winning."
It has been an eventful 18-month period for Victor Wembanyama. After being selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, he went on to make an immediate impact in the league. The center averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks in 71 games.
Wembanyama also represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he guided his nation to a silver medal.
Pairing former All-Star Chris Paul with Victor Wembanyama will make Spurs serious contenders in the West
A young Spurs team struggled last season and managed just 22 wins to finish 14th in the West. Only the Portland Trail Blazers had fewer wins. Despite the poor results, there is plenty of optimism around the franchise for 2024/25.
The addition of Chris Paul should provide some much-needed experience to the Spurs lineup. Gregg Popovich, one the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA, has been desperate for a leader on the court, and the 39-year-old guard could be the perfect fit for San Antonio.
Paul is a 12-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA First Team on four occasions over an illustrious 19-year career.
Pairing the veteran point guard with Victor Wembanyama should offer the Spurs a talented duo that is capable of competing with anyone in the West. After the organization added some reinforcements over the offseason, expect San Antonio to make a big splash next season.