Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Reveals Plans for 2024 Paris Olympics
After a disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, France has help on the way for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama recently revealed his intention to join the team after not competing with the squad at the World Cup.
"I will of course be present at the Olympics," Wembanyama told reporters in a press conference to promote the documentary “Un1que.”
Wembanyama expressed how the outcome for France at the World Cup was disappointing, but he's not worried about the potential of the group at the Olympics. He remains confidence in the team having talents like Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum, and Evan Fournier, among others.
"I watched the World Cup and the result was very disappointing. However, I am not worried. I have no other criticism to make, I was not in the team and it is in the hands of top-level players. I feel that this does not alter the opportunity to do something big in Paris next year."
After a busy season with Metropolitans 92 and participating with the Spurs' Summer League team in Las Vegas, Wembanyama admitted to needing to take some time off as opposed to jumping into World Cup preparation and competition with France.
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“It was the first time in my life that I felt tired in my head, because of all the events that happened one after the other," Wembanyama said. "Nothing negative. But the vacation, after the Summer League, was a necessity to continue calmly on a mental level. I took the time to isolate myself. This is the first time I have appeared in the media in three months. It did me good."
Wembanyama will make his NBA regular season debut on Oct. 25 at Frost Bank Center when the Spurs take on a Dallas Mavericks team led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. If the season goes according to Wembanyama's plan, it will be the start of a playoff campaign.
“The ideal start would already be the playoffs," Wembanyama said. "For the rest… the best thing is not knowing. I hope it will surprise me and it will be beautiful."
While the ambition for instant success is present for Wembanyama, he is aware that joining a rebuilding team could require patience before achieving a high degree of success.
"It’s no secret that it’s hard to win a ring, but I’m patient, and I know it will happen," Wembanyama said. "Not winning my first few years is no barrier to becoming a Hall of Famer or winning five later.”
