Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic Shares Advice to Victor Wembanyama Before Matchup
SAN ANTONIO — The Dallas Mavericks will begin the regular season with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, marking the first NBA game for rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
The anticipation for Wembanyama's NBA debut is more robust than it's been for any player in recent history. When asked to compare it to the hype for the start of his career, Luka Doncic said it's not even a comparison.
“Not even close,” Doncic said. “I don’t think I was even close.”
Doncic shared some advice to Wembanyama, expressing the importance of continuing to have fun with the game despite the external pressure. Doncic feels that Wembanyaa might be the best prospect ever to enter the NBA, too.
“My advice is always to have fun with the game,” Doncic said. “Obviously, you’re going to have a lot of pressure. He’s probably one of the best, if not the best {prospects) to come into the NBA. But he showed he can play. I don’t think he should be worried about anything.”
Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic and San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
USA TODAY Sports
The skill set that Wembanyama has already displayed, despite being 7-foot-4, amazes Doncic, much like the rest of the basketball world. Doncic highlighted the impressive combination of ball handling, shooting, and shot blocking that Wembanyama brings.
“Everybody knows Wemby, right?” Doncic said. “I saw some video, it’s pretty crazy what he does on the court. Plus, he’s 7-foot-4? The things he does for that length it’s unbelievable: the way he moves, the way he handles the ball, shoots the ball, and obviously the blocks. I’ve been watching him. And he’s an amazing player.”
It remains to be seen if Doncic will end up being able to play against Wembanyama in the game, considering his injury status. Doncic is considered questionable to play due to a mild calf strain. There is optimism that Doncic will play after participating in practice for two consecutive days before the team traveled to San Antonio.
"We don't know yet, honestly," Doncic said on Tuesday. "I've been practicing for two days, so I feel pretty good. We'll see how it feels tomorrow morning.
Whether Doncic plays or not on Wednesday, there will be no shortage of Southwest Division battles between his Mavs squad and Wembanyama's Spurs.
