Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Trying to 'Live Up to the Hype', Says Joel Embiid
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is adapting to life in the NBA as one of the most anticipated players in league history.
While he's flashing some potential with 19 points and 11 rebounds per game, the Spurs have struggled, winning just four of their first 28 games this season.
Wembanyama is eventually trying to chase the greats, and none are better now than reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who has observed the rookie from afar and shared his thoughts.
Dec 15, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Frost Bank Center.
© Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
"Not trying to be too critical. Obviously, extremely talented. Right now, there’s so much hype around him, I think he’s trying to live up to the hype. That’s what I see. And I watch a lot of games," Embiid said via The Athletic's David Aldridge.
"Right now, I just feel like everything kind of feels a little forced, in the way that he’s playing. Which is not bad. Because the only way to get better is to play through it and learn. That’s the only way. You make a lot of mistakes, and you learn."
Wembanyama is still adjusting to life in the NBA with just a handful of games under his belt, and these experiences will allow him to feel more comfortable as time goes on.
The more games he plays, the more he will develop and the sooner we will begin to see why he is as hyped as he was. He's shown flashes, dropping 38 points in just his fifth NBA game, but the more reps he gets, the better he will become.
