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San Antonio

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Signs Louis Vuitton Endorsement Contract as Ambassador

Feb 20, 2024
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on February 07, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on February 07, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Two of France's most recognizable brands are joining forces.

Louis Vuitton signed San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama as an ambassador.

"Striving for excellence and with a perpetual honing of craft, Victor joins Louis Vuitton on a journey of shared values and aligned ambitions. Like Louis Vuitton himself, the young athlete has blazed a trail, excelling in a career that is only just beginning," the company said Tuesday.

GQ's Sam Schube noted Wembanyama wore a Louis Vuitton suit to the 2023 NBA draft, and his dark green ensemble was generally well received.

"I think it was well worth it, because it's definitely the best suit of this year's draft, and also the past years, in my opinion," the 20-year-old said. "It was just beautiful. And now it's all coming together."

This partnership reinforces Wembanyama's status as the "Next Big Thing" in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James can't play forever, and his departure could create a vacuum much in the same way Michael Jordan's retirement did in 1998. The league isn't lacking in star power beyond James, but Wembanyama might be the player most likely to inherit the mantle as the face of the NBA for years to come in the same way LeBron has.

Giannis on Victor Wembanyama's NBA Future: If He Stays Healthy, 'the League is His'

Feb 18, 2024
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on February 07, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on February 07, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

When LeBron James retires, the NBA will be Victor Wembanyama's for the taking, according to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"As long as Victor is healthy, the league is his," Antetokounmpo told reporters Saturday.

"LeBron is kind of like that," Antetokounmpo added. "He's close to the end of his career. ... But we have to deal with this problem now moving forward."

Antetokounmpo added: "As long as Victor is healthy, he's going to accomplish everything. He's going to be a champion, be an MVP in this league, do all the things, the goals he has set for himself. That's pretty much it."

Phoenix Suns veteran Kevin Durant seemingly concurred with Antetokounmpo, saying that Wembanyama "can achieve anything he wants in this game."

"He's only getting more comfortable as time goes on. ... It's just insane how dominant he's going to be as he gets more comfortable in the game," Durant said. "Luckily, I'm on my way out, so I won't have to deal with it too much. You just see him settling in game after game after game, and it's going to be a joy to watch."

Wembanyama entered the NBA as the most-hyped prospect since James when he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, and he has certainly met expectations in his rookie campaign.

The 20-year-old entered the All-Star break as the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award after averaging 20.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.2 blocks in 49 games while shooting 46.8 percent from the floor and 32.0 percent from deep.

For comparison, the last player to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game in a single season was Shaquille O'Neal in 1999-2000.

While Wembanyama could eventually dominate the league, he has a long way to go to reach some of the most highly-touted achievements, such as league MVP and NBA champion.

That said, there's seemingly little doubt he'll reach those milestones, especially if he continues to ascend at the rate he has in his first season.

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Joining Slam Dunk, 3-Point Contests 'on My Bucket List'

Feb 17, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the media prior to the Rising Star practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 16: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the media prior to the Rising Star practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is taking place in his first All-Star Weekend over the weekend, participating in the Rising Stars Challenge as well as the Skills Challenge.

At some point, he said that he would also like to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest as well, per ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly.

"Yeah it's definitely on my bucket list," Wembanyama said.

A handful of players have participated in both the Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest, including Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and a handful of other notable names. While several players have participated in both, no player has ever won both competitions, so if Wembanyama decides to partake in both he could be chasing history.

So far in his rookie season, Wembanyama is shooting a decent 32% clip from three, but he might need to prove himself a little more from deep before he gets an invite to the 3-Point Contest.

As for the Dunk Contest, Wembanyama's 7-foot-4 frame would make for some exciting dunks if he ever decides to participate.

On Saturday, Wembanyama will be looking to win his first Skills Challenge. He joins Paolo Banchero and Anthony Edwards on Team Top Picks and will face Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner on Team Pacers along with Scottie Barnes, Tyrese Maxey and Trae Young on Team All-Stars.

Perhaps next year's All-Star Weekend will have even more in store for Wembanyama.

Trae Young Trade Rumors: Spurs, Hawks Discussed Deal Before 2024 NBA Deadline

Feb 14, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 12:  Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a three-point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on February 12, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 12: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a three-point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on February 12, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs reportedly attempted to acquire Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young ahead of last week's trade deadline.

Howard Beck of The Ringer reported Atlanta was active ahead of the deadline and explored the possibility of moving on from its lone All-Star. It's unclear how close the two sides got in talks, but the Hawks are reportedly more open than ever to trading Young.

"He's available," an Eastern Conference exec told Beck. "I think they would love to trade Trae."

Young is in the second season of a five-year, $215.2 million contract. While he remains one of the NBA's premier offensive forces, Young's defensive woes have made him difficult to build around. Atlanta is 24-30 heading into Wednesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, barely holding on to the final spot in the Play-In Tournament.

The Hawks also explored trading Young's backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, ahead of the deadline but ultimately decided to stand pat.

It's likely the front office will continue to explore its options to build a roster that can make consistent deep playoff runs. The Hawks were seemingly fooled by a run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, doubling down on their core at the time and finding diminishing returns. Atlanta has been eliminated in the first round of the last two playoffs.

The Spurs being interested in Young is noteworthy given they're in the midst of a full-scale rebuild around Victor Wembanyama. They've struggled to get into their offensive sets with Jeremy Sochan playing out of position at point guard, so Young would have been an instant-impact acquisition.

San Antonio's willingness to engage in win-now signals Gregg Popovich and Co. believe they're a lot closer to winning with Wembanyama than their current record indicates.

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Amazes NBA Fans with 10-Block Triple-Double vs. Raptors

Feb 13, 2024
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12:  Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 12, 2024 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 12, 2024 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama was dominant on both ends of the floor as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, winning by the final score of 122-99.

Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while blocking a career-high 10 shots, recording the second triple-double of his brief NBA career in just 29 minutes of action. The 20-year-old also dished out five assists, connecting on 10 of his 14 field goal attempts.

The former No. 1 overall pick is the first player since the 2020-21 season to record a triple-double with fewer than 10 assists (per Basketball Reference).

Fans were amazed by his two-way performance, as the 7'3" rookie has continued to make history while astounding fans and perplexing opponents on a nightly basis.

Wembanyama already entered the contest averaging a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game, using his 8'0" wingspan to alter shots at the rim and disrupt passing lanes. He has now recorded at least one rejection in 16 consecutive appearances.

Although the Spurs only moved to 11-43 after the win, the future is bright in San Antonio with Wembanyama patrolling the paint.

Spurs' Jeremy Sochan to Replace Blazers' Shaedon Sharpe in 2024 NBA Rising Stars Game

Feb 8, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

An injury to Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe has opened the door for Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs to play in the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Game as part of All-Star Weekend.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that Sochan will replace Sharpe on Jalen Rose's team.

Sharpe hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 11 due to a lower abdominal strain. The Blazers announced on Tuesday his symptoms started worsening as he was ramping up his basketball activities and would undergo surgery for a core muscle injury.

The surgery is tentatively scheduled for later this week. A timetable for Sharpe's return to play will be determined after the procedure is completed.

The NBA announced the pool of players for the Rising Stars Game on Jan. 30. Sharpe was among the sophomores included, along with fellow second-year guards Jaden Ivey, Dyson Daniels and Bennedict Mathurin.

Honorary coaches Pau Gasol, Tamika Catchings and Jalen Rose drafted their teams on Tuesday. Sharpe was selected in the fourth round by Rose.

Sochan becomes the second Spurs player in the game. Victor Wembanyama was part of the original roster and was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft for Gasol's team.

The No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Sochan is having a solid season for the Spurs. He is averaging 11.4 points on 43.9 percent shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 51 appearances.

The Rising Stars consists of four teams playing in a mini-tournament. The fourth team consists of G League players and is coached by Detlef Schrempf.

There will be two semifinal games, with the winners squaring off to determine the Rising Stars champion. Each game is played to a target score.

The games will be played on Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Pelicans' Zion Williamson: We've 'Seen Nothing Like' Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

Feb 3, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2:  Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is the latest player in awe of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.

After the Pelicans faced off against the San Antonio Spurs Friday night, Williamson had high praise for Wembanyama.

"Victor's a very special player," Williamson said. "We were just talking about in the locker room, he's a dude that can get two or three Defensive Player of the Years. I don't want to put no label on it, but he can get Defensive Player of the Years and MVPs. We haven't seen nothing like that. We've seen things close, but not like that. He's an amazing player and I think, especially with (Gregg Popovich) over there, he's going to continue to develop."

While the Pelicans handled business against the Spurs behind Williamson's game-winning layup, Wembanyama had a solid performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Wembanyama also came up with a clutch block over Williamson late in the game to help the Spurs hold the lead, though they eventually lost the game.

While the Spurs have struggled this year, Wembanyama is having an outstanding start to his career and it's clear he's on his way to stardom. This year, he's averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a league-best 3.2 blocks despite having to play on a minutes restriction for much of January.

If Wembanyama continues to improve, Williamson's prediction of multiple DPOYs and MVPs could come true for him.

Zion Williamson's Game-Winner Has NBA Fans in Awe as Pelicans Beat Wembanyama, Spurs

Feb 3, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 2, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans provided a fun contest between rising stars Victor Wembanyama and Zion Williamson on Friday night.

Williamson established himself against the rookie with 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists, hitting the game-winning shot to seal a 114-113 win.

Wembanyama still had a respectable night, putting up 16 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, also picking up three blocks. He had a huge block over Williamson to keep the Spurs ahead late, but ultimately it wasn't enough.

The contest between the Pelicans and the Spurs gave a glimpse into what is sure to be a fun matchup between Williamson and Wembanyama for years to come.

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With the win, the Pelicans improved to 28-21 on the season and currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference, just behind the Phoenix Suns. The Spurs dropped to 10-31 with the loss and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference.

Victor Wembanyama Praised by NBA Fans for Dominance as Spurs Beat Blazers

Jan 27, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 6, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 26: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 6, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama's second straight double-double powered the San Antonio Spurs to a 116-100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Wembanyama dropped 23 points, with 18 coming in the first half alone. He added 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in his 29 minutes of action. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft has now scored at least 20 points in seven consecutive games.

The 20-year-old's shot was falling all night long, shooting 3-7 from behind the arc with a perfect 6-6 mark on free throws. Although Wembanyama committed seven turnovers, he still made an impact on both ends of the floor as the Spurs outscored the Trail Blazers by 23 points while he was on the court.

NBA fans were impressed with his dominant night.

Although the Spurs were only able to notch their ninth victory of the season after defeating Portland, Wembanyama's development matters more to San Antonio's front office and fanbase than wins and losses at this point in the year.

With the 7'3" big in a battle with Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, Friday night's performance will certainly strengthen Wembanyama's case.

Popovich Jokes About Wembanyama-Embiid Matchup: 'We Are Going to Hammer His Ass'

Jan 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs jogs down the court against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs jogs down the court against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Victor Wembanyama will face reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid for the first time in his NBA career on Monday, and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had some fun ahead of the matchup.

"We are going to hammer his ass," Popovich jokingly told reporters when discussing the big-man matchup. "I told Wemby to stick him, put your butt right in his stomach, back him down over the rim and just throw him through the rim. That's what you can look forward to ... Don't tell Wemby I said that."

While the 28-13 Philadelphia 76ers have much higher aspirations than the 8-34 Spurs this season, the first of many battles to come between Embiid and Wembanyama makes the game more intriguing.

If Wembanyama is going to live up to expectations and become a franchise cornerstone and one of the best players in the league, he will have to hold his own against the likes of Embiid and other superstar big men.

Putting someone like Embiid "through the rim" may have been a joke, but the rookie appears well on his way to stardom and is averaging 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

Performing well against the MVP would only serve to bolster his confidence as he continues to establish himself as one of the league's brightest young stars.