A few days before officially resuming competition, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday with San Antonio in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama must be quivering with impatience. Absent from the field for eight months due to a thrombosis, the 2.24 m Frenchman – or almost – had the opportunity to play the pre-season with Spurs in October.
Asked about his young teammate this Monday, American winger Keldon Johnson (26) was able to recount the moving return of the French prodigy among his family.
“He missed us and vice versa,” confided the oldest player in the squad. When we found him this summer, he gave us big hugs. There’s nothing like a comrade like Vic. I’m happy he’s back and healthy. »
“He is the spark that rekindled the flame”
Asked about the integration of “Wemby”, the Olympic champion in Tokyo in 2021 also portrayed “a winner and an exceptional person”. Arriving with the status of number 1 in the 2023 draft, the first Frenchman to do so in NBA history, the rookie of the year 2024 was able to make his mark in the San Antonio squad.
“He’s a very good basketball player, obviously, but above all a high-quality person,” recognizes Keldon Johnson. He is one of the most humble and caring people I know. He integrated immediately and greatly contributed to the local culture, his winning mentality, a beautiful person. »
“Even though Spurs have always been winners, let’s be honest, we’ve been through several difficult years (no play-offs since 2019). He is the spark that rekindled the flame of victory. He is hungry, he absolutely wants to win, but at the same time he always puts his teammates first,” he continued.
After his long absence, Victor Wembanyama will therefore be expected at the turn during the night from Wednesday to Thursday in Dallas, on the occasion of his team’s first meeting of the season against the Mavericks.
