Inside The Spurs

Spurs Starter, Sunday, July 28, 2024: Oscar Wembanyama Competes at NBA Academy Games in Atlanta

Your daily briefing on what's going on with the San Antonio Spurs, including news, draft & more.

Matt Guzman

NBA Academy Select forward Oscar Wembanyama attempts a layup between multiple defenders during the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Ga.
NBA Academy Select forward Oscar Wembanyama attempts a layup between multiple defenders during the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Ga. / Photo provided by NBA Academy
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Happy Sunday, Por Vida fans! Welcome to your afternoon Spurs Starter.

While his older brother was busy training and preparing for a run at a gold medal in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, 17-year-old Oscar Wembanyama took a trip to Atlanta to participate in a tournament of his own.

NBA Academy held its annual NBA Academy Games two weeks ago, which allowed young teams from across the globe — along with a few United States-based squads — to compete at a high level. At the event were two teams from Africa, a team from Latin America and three Nike circuit teams, among others.

READ MORE: Homecoming for Victor Wembanyama At 2024 Olympics

Wembanyama was invited to compete on NBA Academy's select squad, helping it finish second overall after multiple days of pool play and a knockout stage. NBA Global Academy out of Canberra,
Australia took home the title after defeating the select team 91-84.

NBA Academy Select forward Oscar Wembanyama shoots the ball over a defender during the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Ga.
NBA Academy Select forward Oscar Wembanyama shoots the ball over a defender during the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Ga. / Photo provided by NBA Academy

In six total games, Wembanyama tallied 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks.

He showed a sense of versatility in every game he appeared in — though there are pieces of his game still yet to develop — and should continue to do so as he marches toward what could very well be a spot in the NBA in a few seasons, just like his brother. But don't get it twisted.

He wants to be himself.

Not just the younger brother of a superstar.

“I don’t particularly feel in (Victor’s) shadow," the forward said of his own basketball career before his brother was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. "My goal is not to do exactly like him but to write my own story, as beautiful as possible.”

Now, onto the headlines:

THE NEWS

1. READ: KENNY TREVINO COMMENDS ALREADY-ROSTERED SPURS AT SUMMER LEAGUE

The San Antonio Spurs had a productive showing in Las Vegas behind new faces looking to prove themselves and some already guaranteed a spot on next season's roster, which summer league coach Kenny Trevino appreciated.

Read the full story at the link above.

2. WATCH: CAN WEMBANYAMA MAKE OLYMPIC HISTORY WITH TEAM FRANCE?

"The Joe Gaither Show" returns this week with Matt Guzman to talk about the Spurs' offseason as excitement mounts for the upcoming year. Guzman and Gaither discuss Team France, the NBA on Amazon, Stephon Castle and Chris Paul and grade the Spurs' front office for the work done this offseason.

Watch the latest episode of The Joe Gaither Show below:

3. READ: TRE JONES FINES STEADY ROLE IN SPURS' YOUNG ROTATION

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tre Jones was effective when running the offense last season, providing exactly what the team needed from him given its inconsistency at the position.

Read the full story above.

THE DRAFT

Now that the 2024 NBA Draft is over, you can check out the newest Spurs and what they might bring to the team next season and down the road. Below are the some stories about the rookies selected:

Round 1, Pick No. 4: Stephon Castle

Round 2, Pick No. 36: Juan Núñez

Round 2, Pick No. 48: Harrison Ingram

THE SCHEDULE

There are 88 days until opening night of the 2024-25 NBA season, but the San Antonio Spurs have more to look forward to prior to that. The regular season schedule has yet to be released, but the entire preseason schedule — also still a ways away — has.

There, the team will get its first chance to hit the floor with a complete roster. Also of note, Victor Wembanyama and Team France are competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Below is a list of dates and start times (all in CST) for both sets of games:

San Antonio Spurs Preseason

Oct. 7: Home vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Tipoff at 7 p.m.)
Oct. 9: Home vs. Orlando Magic (Tipoff at 7 p.m.)
Oct. 12: Home vs. Utah Jazz (Tipoff at 7 p.m.)

Oct. 15: Away at Miami Heat (Tipoff at 6:30 p.m.)
Oct. 17: Away at Houston Rockets (Tipoff at 7 p.m.)

Team France Olympic Slate

July 27: France vs. Brazil (W 78-66)
July 30: France vs. Japan (Tipoff at 12:15 p.m.)
Aug. 2: France vs. Germany (Tipoff at 2 p.m.)

AROUND THE NBA

Catch up on some of the league-wide headlines below:

Also, be sure to follow along with Spurs On SI's NBA tracker, with more detailed breakdowns of major league news and updates.

THE CLOSER

Check out our homepage for more news and follow us on the platforms below. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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