Victor Wembanyama Reveals Unique Approach in Pursuit of Living Up to Expectations

The Spurs rookie has great appreciation for the No. 1 picks who have come before him.

In his second Las Vegas Summer League game on Sunday, Victor Wembanyama looked every bit a part of the No. 1 pick in the draft. 

In 27 minutes of action, Wembanyama scored 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, while grabbing 12 rebounds and adding three blocks. The future of the Spurs franchise was promptly shut down for the rest of summer league following the performance, as San Antonio looks to protect its young star from injury this summer.

The bounce back performance by Wembanyama was not only needed, it was expected. His first NBA outing last Friday displayed plenty of flashes of what NBA scouts have clamored over with his game, but also left a lot to be desired. 

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While Wembanyama recorded five blocks, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three highlight-worthy assists, he also went just 2-for-13 from the floor and scored only nine points. The criticism of Wembanyama, the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, was widespread after the first performance, and the Spurs star is doing everything in his power to ensure that he’s better than every No. 1 pick that has come before him. When asked about what would constitute success in his rookie season, he gave an interesting answer to ESPN on Wednesday.

“Having a better record for the team than last year,” Wembanyama began. “I’ve been looking into the data of the past No. 1 picks and what impact they’ve had. I’m trying to be better than every guy before me.”

"I've been looking into all the data of the past No. 1 picks and what impact they've had. I'm trying to be better than every guy before me."

Victor Wembanyama on his expectations heading into his rookie season with the Spurs 🗣️

(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/1LT2vSfaYq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 12, 2023

Expectations are sky-high for Wembanyama, but with an appreciation of who has come before him, as well as his own work ethic, he’s looking to surpass any expectations set before him in his first NBA season.