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Two games were enough for the Spurs to see all they wanted from Victor Wembanyama. The 19-year-old 2.23m French center will not play again in the Las Vegas Summer League, in which his team still has three games left.
The San Antonio franchise did not want to strain its new star and has decided to give him a holiday.
A lackluster debut (nine points with 2/13 from the field and eight rebounds against the Hornets) and a second game with better results (27+12 against the Blazers) have been his letter of introduction in the NBA universe.
The Spurs were missing important players in Las Vegas in recent days, but those who have shared the locker room and court with the French prodigy have been amazed by his performances and foresee a great future for the franchise. Jeremy Sochan, one of the key players, had a front row seat.
"We're going to have a lot of fun this season. I can't wait to play with him. He's so tall. It's crazy," he told Yahoo.
The French center began to dazzle from the first practice. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, other team leaders, looking at each other, shaking their heads and laughing after a Wembanyama play.
"I've never played with someone like him before," said Blake Wesley, amazed by an action in which he grabbed an offensive rebound for a slam dunk.
"I wondered how he could have done that. He brings a lot to the team and I'm grateful to have him as a teammate."
Defensive virtues
Some also highlight his defensive virtues. with many expecting that to be a cornerstone of his game in the NBA.
"It's really hard to make a shot or anything around him," says Julian Champagnie,
"I've never had to watch someone that high before. It was something new for me," said Dominick Barlow,
Barlow, standing at 2.06m, was Wemby's partner in the paint during the first two Summer League matches. Between them, they posted 11 blocks.
In addition to his quality, Wembanyama has proven to be an "easy player to coach. He listens and he's a hard worker. He's got all the things you'd expect from someone that talented," Barlow added.
What has been noticeable in the two games he's played is how quickly he has built connections on the court.
"We're all trying to develop that chemistry on the court," Champagnie explained.
"We're going to get there. We've had some good moments so far. It's only been two games. I'm excited to build on it," Wesley added.
Championship dreams
Optimism reigns in San Antonio after Wembanyama's first two performances.
"We have a chance to be pretty special with our height and versatility," Barlow declared.
"This is a process. We're all young and nothing is going to happen overnight. When the Spurs had Tim Duncan, they were all young too. We can come together and try to win a championship in a couple of years." Wesley concluded.
"We have all the tools to make it happen."