Victor Wembanyama Posts Photos With France's Olympic Medal: 'It's Just the Beginning'
Aug 13, 2024
Silver medallists (From L) France's #12 Nando De Colo, France's #06 Andrew Albicy, France's #32 Victor Wembanyama and France's #26 Mathias Lessort pose on the podium after the men's Gold Medal basketball match between France and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs and French superstar Victor Wembanyama posted a number of photos from his time at the Paris Olympics on Instagram Tuesday, including one with his silver medal after the host country fell short against the United States in the gold-medal game.
"It's just the beginning..." he wrote in the caption.
Wemby, 20, was named to the All-Star Five by FIBA after averaging 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, two steals and 1.7 blocks in six Olympics games.
"I'm learning, and I'm worried for the opponents in a couple of years," he told reporters after receiving his silver medal.
When asked if he meant in FIBA or the NBA, he answered simply, "Everywhere."
Victor Wembanyama Issues Warning, Says He's 'Worried' for Opponents After Olympics
Aug 10, 2024
Siver medallists (From L) France's #27 Rudy Gobert, France's #32 Victor Wembanyama, France's #85 Matthew Strazel and France's #99 Bilal Coulibaly pose on the podium after the men's Gold Medal basketball match between France and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama is predicting that sparks will fly in the future.
Following France's 98-87 loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Wembanyama spoke about his growth and said that he is "worried" for future opponents that take on his teams, according to Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News.
Victor Wembanyama, with a silver medal around his neck:
“I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years.”
While the loss was disappointing for a France team defending its home turf, the program is in a strong spot. This is the country's second consecutive silver medal and fourth in its history. It has emerged as one of the biggest threats to the U.S. in international basketball and Wembanyama is already a bonafide star.
The 20-year-old scored 26 points and added seven rebounds and two assists in the gold medal game. He averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists across the six Olympic contests and should only improve by the 2028 Olympics.
Additionally, France should have Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks from the 2024 NBA Draft, for those games and beyond. This should help the nation remain a power and a contender for the gold once again in Los Angeles.
Video: Spurs Legend Tony Parker Compares Victor Wembanyama to Lakers' LeBron James
Aug 3, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers smile during the game on Feburary 23, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
There aren't many NBA players in history who have entered the league with higher expectations than reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, who met and exceeded them this past year with the San Antonio Spurs.
And for Spurs' legend Tony Parker, that meant there was only one natural comparison after Wembanyama's first year.
"He's not bothered by the pressure or the expectation," he told Yahoo Sports' Kerri Walsh Jennings (4:50 mark). "He's a little bit like LeBron. The only one who can compare to so much expectation before his arrival is LeBron James. And Victor, the way he played his rookie season with the Spurs, he was unbelievable. And so I hope it translates to a lot of championships with the Spurs, and I hope it translates to a lot of medals for French basketball."
Wembanyama, 20, averaged an impressive 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, an NBA-leading 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 46.5 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from three.
Alongside of being the Rookie of the Year, he was a first-team All-Rookie and All-Defensive selection and was the runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year to Rudy Gobert. It was an epic opening salvo, as Wemby clearly wasn't overwhelmed by the weight of expectation.
TMZ: Chris Paul Sells California Mansion for $15M After Move from Warriors to Spurs
Aug 1, 2024
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 16: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors calls a play during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chris Paul's old house has been sold.
According to TMZ, the former Golden State Warriors star, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs in July, sold his California home for $15,150,000 this week. He previously put the house on the market with realtor Ikem Chukumerije.
The house in Encino, which is just outside of Los Angeles, is 12,830 square feet and features eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and a luxurious kitchen. It also has a glass wine cellar, a home gym, a home theater, and a basketball and tennis court.
Though he's parting with his current home, he'll still have a house in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. Paul reportedly purchased a mansion for $19 million, meaning he'll still have a place to reside in the city where he spent six years of his career.
Paul, 39, spent the 2023-24 season with the Warriors, putting up 9.2 points, 6.8 assists and 3.9 rebounds while playing 26.4 minutes per game off the bench. Now likely in the late stages of his career, he'll join a young Spurs squad and team up with rising star Victor Wembanyama.
After finishing with the second-worst record in the Western Conference a year ago, the Spurs hope Paul's veteran presence along with a second-year leap from Wembanyama can make them playoff contenders.
France HC Says Victor Wembanyama Not Michael Jordan Yet, Jokes 'He's Not Far'
Jul 27, 2024
TOPSHOT - France's #32 Victor Wembanyama goes to the basket in the men's preliminary round group B basketball match between France and Brazil during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 27, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
French fans see sky-high potential for phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Following France's 78-66 win over Brazil in its opening game at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, head coach Vincent Collet said that the 20-year-old is under significant pressure to be a dominant force like former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan. Collet acknowledged that Wembanyama is not quite at that level yet and that fans need to understand that.
"He was a little bit nervous. In France, everybody waits for him like — I don't know which word to use, but everybody waits for him," Collet said, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. "You have the people who know basketball, and they understand he's only 20 years old. But people that like sports but (who) don't know basketball, they think Victor is already Michael Jordan. (But) take time. Take time."
However, the coach followed it up with a smile, saying "he's not far" from that level, showing his high confidence in the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Wembanyama's alleged nerves did not negatively impact his output. He scored 19 points and added nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks. This is his first major test on the national stage after he sat out last year's FIBA World Cup, and the host nation's hopes at a medal may rest with how he can perform against the top international talent.
While that is significant pressure, it's also something Wembanyama showed he was capable of in his rookie NBA Season. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2023-24 and is the centerpiece of the team's young core.
While the Spurs may be a few year's away from true contention in the NBA, finding success for France could be huge for Wembanyama's development. France entered the Games as the No, 6 ranked team by FIBA and are seeking a fourth medal in Olympic history.
The last was a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and now the team hopes it can disrupt the U.S.'s dominance on the stage and earn the country's first gold medal in men's basketball.
Hot Takes on Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher vs. Ingram, Spurs with Stephon Castle Out
Jul 15, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on July 14, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
As San Antonio Spurs No. 4 pick Stephon Castle sat out due to a wrist sprain, Atlanta Hawks No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher had the perfect opportunity to steal the show in Sunday's prime-time Summer League matchup in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, the 19-year-old struggled to get going as he finished with just 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting in a 79-76 loss. He made just one of his seven three-point attempts and added five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Risacher's lackluster performance came after he impressed with 18 points and five rebounds in his Summer League debut. Sunday's game could be an anomaly, as the Frenchman has shown flashes of being an effective NBA player.
E.J. Liddell led the Hawks with 22 points off the bench. D'Moi Hodge had a team-high 13 points for the Spurs, while 2024 second-round pick Harrison Ingram had six points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Despite Risacher's struggles on Sunday, fans were able to find things worth praising from his performance:
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher gets the lefty hook to go in #PhantomCam. 📸
The box score may not look great tonight for Risacher but that’s more a product of who he’s playing with. Impressed with his IQ, reads, handle, and shot. I see the vision.
Risacher will have a few days to work on things before returning to action when the Hawks take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Fans will surely be excited to see how he performs against the Lakers' impressive rookie duo of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James.
Spurs' Stephon Castle, No. 4 Draft Pick, Out for NBA Summer League with Wrist Injury
Jul 15, 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 13, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle will miss the remainder of NBA Summer League after suffering a wrist injury, per the San Antonio Express-News'Tom Orsborn.
Castle suffered a right wrist sprain during the Spurs win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Though it appears to be a minor injury, according to Orsborn, San Antonio feels it's best not to risk it for the No. 4 overall pick.
Castle said he supports the #Spurs’ decision to shut him down for the remainder of Summer League after he suffered a sprained wrist in his Vegas debut:
“I feel like they have my best interests in mind. I feel like it’s smart to take the caution route."https://t.co/JbHFnj2zQw
Though he's only played a handful of games in Summer League, Castle has impressed early on. The UConn product had 12 points in his debut and followed it up with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists against China. On Saturday, Castle had 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.
No. 4 pick Stephon Castle continues to impress with a solid Vegas debut to lead the @spurs to victory!
He's quickly shown why the Spurs used the No. 4 pick on him and San Antonio fans must be excited about seeing him play alongside star Victor Wembanyama.
In his sole year at UConn last season, Castle averaged 11.1 points and helped lead the Huskies to a second consecutive national title. At just 19 years old, he has plenty of time to continue developing and fine-tuning his game.
In his first year with the Spurs, Castle will get to learn from one of the best point guards in NBA history in Chris Paul, who signed with San Antonio in free agency. With a mentor like Paul and a rising star like Wembanyama alongside him, Castle has the chance to make a mark in the NBA in his initial season.
The Spurs had a disappointing 22-60 season last year, but seem poised to make growth in 2024 with one of the best young cores in the league.
Chris Paul: Chance to Play with Victor Wembanyama Influenced Spurs Contract
Jul 9, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 20: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs embrace after the game on October 20, 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Veteran point guard Chris Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs, at least in part, because he couldn't pass up the opportunity to play with a phenom.
While speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Paul said that the chance to play alongside 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama influenced his decision to sign with the Spurs following his release from the Golden State Warriors.
Paul is at the tail-end of his legendary career, so he will impart valuable knowledge to the 20-year-old throughout the next year. While the Spurs are unlikely to be in title contention, it will be fun to watch the floor general facilitate things for Wembanyama.
The 39-year-old said he was contacted by former Spurs stars and Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili after signing with the team:
Chris Paul got text messages from Spurs legends Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili and Tony Parker after signing with the Spurs pic.twitter.com/m57oKYvKIQ
Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, didn't take long to prove he can be a dominant superstar in the league. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and a league-high 3.6 blocks. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned a selection to the All-Defensive first team.
The 2024-25 season will be a major step in Wembanyama's development, as playing with Paul will undoubtedly be beneficial to his career.
Spurs' Updated Roster, Salary Cap After Chris Paul Contract in 2024 NBA Free Agency
Jul 1, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 11: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 11, 2024 at the AT&T 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chris Paul has found his next destination.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT reported that the 12-time All-Star "intends to sign with the San Antonio Spurs." This comes after he was waived by the Golden State Warriors earlier in the day.
Haynes reported that Paul was "sold on the culture and opportunity to help elevate the game of Victor Wembanyama" by Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
The Spurs currently have $50.7 million in first apron space and $61.5 million in second apron space, per Spotrac.
Here's a look at how the roster looks following Paul's signing.
Starters:
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Stephon Castle
PF: Jeremy Sochan
SF: Devin Vassell
C: Victor Wembanyama
Reserves:
Tre Jones
Blake Wesley
Devonte Graham
Malaki Branham
Julian Champagnie
Keldon Johnson
Cedi Osman
Sidy Cissoko
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Harrison Ingram
Zach Collins
Charles Bassey
RaiQuan Gray
Paul enters a Spurs team that is in the middle of a rebuild. It just finished a second consecutive 22-60 season and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time. This is the longest drought in franchise history, but it has allowed for the franchise to reload some young talent.
This includes Wembanyama, who San Antonio selected No. 1 in 2023, and Stephon Castle, who it took No. 4 in 2024. Castle has obviously yet to hit the floor for the Spurs, but his 2023-24 National Championship run with the UConn Huskies serves as some solid experience as he prepares for his NBA career.
Wembanyama has hit the floor for San Antonio and he was very impressive. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games in 2023-24 and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Paul could provide veteran experience and help the Spurs finally take that next step.
Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama Pairing Excites NBA Fans After PG's Spurs Contract
Jul 1, 2024
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 11: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 11, 2024 at the AT&T 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs were known to be seeking a point guard to pair with Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, and they reportedly landed one of the greatest floor generals of this generation.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Chris Paul intends to sign with the Spurs after being waived by the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
Fans couldn't hold back their excitement at the prospect of seeing Paul share the floor with a rising star like Wembanyama:
CP3 is perfect for Wemby. Didn’t have a single guard who could get him the ball consistently this year and now will have a guard who will spoon-feed him easy baskets
Chris Paul and Stephon Castle on the perimeter in San Antonio. Didn’t see this twist coming for CP3. Really unique dynamic with him joining Wemby and Pop. https://t.co/rvzUTBm71Q
Chris Paul tossing lobs to Wemby is sure to be fun. Only on a one year deal too - he will be great for their young core with no long-term obligations. Really like that signing.
Haynes added that Paul had a conversation with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and was "sold on the culture and opportunity to help elevate the game of" Wembanyama, who is already off to a strong start in his NBA career after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and a league-high 3.6 blocks per game as a rookie.
Paul has already shown the type of impact he can have on young players, as his days with the Los Angeles Clippers created "Lob City" and brought the best out of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Joining a Spurs team that went 22-60 last season and missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year likely won't give Paul the opportunity to earn the championship ring that has eluded him throughout his stellar career. However, fans will have fun watching the 39-year-old play his part in the development of Wembanyama, who has the makings of a future superstar.
