Victor Wembanyama noticed a key difference between the NBA and European basketball during his two games in the 2023 summer league.
The Spurs’ No. 1 overall draft pick said the NBA has a bigger emphasis on speed, but is less physical than basketball across the pond.
“First of all, the court is more open [here]. It’s going fast, but it’s less physical,” Wembanyama said to the media on Sunday.
“I get fouled a lot, but not as much. Nothing to compare. Here, players are just flying. Out there, it’s more on the ground, pushing on the ground, big box-outs.”
Wembanyama, 19, didn’t see this adjustment as a bad thing, though, noting he’s now playing against athletes who are “the best in the world” and said he likes the NBA style better.
The 7-foot-4 center’s observation came after he dropped 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Blazers in San Antonio’s 80-85 loss in Las Vegas on Sunday.
It was a bounce-back performance for Wembanyama who had an underwhelming debut, posting nine points while shooting just 2-for-13 against the Hornets.
“It’s just me getting comfortable with myself, comfortable with my body, the court,” Wembanyama said after getting his game back on track.
“Before today, I had like two practices and one game, so I was just getting going.”
The Spurs opted to shut their new generational talent down after two games in the NBA Summer League, a decision Wembanyama was leaving up to head coach Gregg Popovich.
“I know I got to talk with Pop,” Wembanyama said on Sunday. “I’m going to listen to what he’s going to say, but I’m ready to make any sacrifice for the team and give 100 percent.”
Wembanyama is now going to try to stay out of the spotlight following a busy draft season and recent controversy with Britney Spears.
“Like, this past month, I think basketball wasn’t even 50 percent of my schedule,” Wembanyama said. “I can’t stand it. I know it’s a special moment in my life, but I’m just glad it’s over, honestly. I just want to hoop, work out and lift.”
The NBA Summer League wraps up on July 17.
The Spurs play the Pistons on Friday in their last game of the off-season stretch.
