Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama to Skip 2023 FIBA World Cup

The No. 1 NBA draft pick recently said he wants to compete for France during next year’s Paris Olympics.

New Spurs power forward Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, will not participate in this summer’s FIBA World Cup so he can instead focus on the NBA Summer League, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The FIBA World Cup takes place in August and September, after the NBA Summer League’s conclusion, but Wembanyama is mindful of working too much ahead of his rookie season in San Antonio.

“It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health,” Wembanyama said, as translated from L’Equipe. “I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”

Wembanyama previously stated he wanted to compete “a little bit” at the NBA Summer League. If the French phenom starts right away with the Spurs’ Summer League team, he will face the Hornets and No. 2 pick Brandon Miller on July 3 and the Lakers on July 5.

The 19-year-old still plans to represent France in next year’s Paris Olympics.