Victor Wembanyama: Flashing the depth of his preparation with impressive preseason play

After something of a mixed showing in the NBA’s Summer League, Wembanyama was withdrawn from the action by the Spurs and sent to the laboratory of training camp to keep working on skillset and adapting to NBA rules.

It was a quiet time, with little heard from the Frenchman. But, the results that have followed have more than impressed onlookers.

While against the Charlotte Hornets back in July Wembanyama appeared to struggle with physicality and conditioning, when he turned up for his first official pre-season game for the Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder (121-122) on 9 October, doubts surrounding his ability to stand tall were quashed with his 20-point performance in just 19 minutes on court.

More reassuringly, Wembanyama appeared to grow into the game becoming more demanding and aggressive on the ball both in offense and defence.

His first basket of the night was a two-handed dunk, which was subsequently followed by a rejection on Jalen Williams, selected into the All-Rookie team last season. He also went toe-to-toe with Chet Holmgren, a number two pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, and the French star wasn’t shy about showing his force.

At one point during the game, Wembanayma drove at the OKC Thunder big man before posting an and-one layup. Meanwhile, Holmgren was left on the floor.

If there were glimpses of what his size and skill might do against the Thunder in the power forward position, then against the Miami Heat (120-104) four days later at center, ‘Wemby’ appeared to have unlocked another gear.

He put up 23 points in 23 minutes as well as adding four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. But what stole the show was his reem of highlight reel moves including an alley-oop in the second quarter.

If, before, he looked a little disjointed, against Miami Wembanyama was involved in play across the court showing a marked improvement in his understanding of NBA play, particularly in defence.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Wembanyama alluded to what he had been working on to deliver such a performance.

“I’m still learning to do some things defensively, defending the pin downs, for example,” the Spurs player said.

“I’m really learning a lot, and I’m trying to expand my tools on defence, too,” he added. “I think we’re on the right path. We’ve still got a lot to learn about ourselves and also about our teammates but we are on the right path.”