We just got to see the first glimpse of the 2023 NBA Draft’s number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama in an NBA-sanctioned game, that is his first-ever NBA 2K24 Summer League game. Victor squared off against number two overall pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets. The pair found themselves guarding each other on several possessions and the general fan consensus after the game is that Brandon Miller may have gotten the better of the great Victor Wembanyama in their first meeting.
Victor Wembanyama in his Summer League debut:
9 points
8 rebounds
5 blocks
3 assists
2/13 FGM
1/6 3PM pic.twitter.com/1rjnRRIMGP— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 8, 2023
Victor put up a very underwhelming stat line at least offensively, where some of his consistency flaws were exposed. He shot 2 for 13 from the field and made only 1 three on 6 attempts. Victor was slated to be the next Joel Embiid, where scoring 30 points a game would be the norm for him. To be fair, it is only his first game and he needs time to adjust his shot and get comfortable with NBA-style courts and rims, but it definitely wasn’t the jam-packed explosive debut he and his legion of fans were hoping for.
Fans on Twitter are already uncertain of Victor Wembanyama and his future in the NBA
Although it seems much too early to jump the gun on predictions for Victor Wembanyama’s basketball career, fans around the league are understandably disappointed at their first showing of “possibly the greatest NBA prospect in the history of the league.” Some fans have gone so far as to even call him a bust or overrated.
Similar to Chet, he’s over hyped. Bro couldn’t even back down Miller. He’s got a rude awakening coming when he goes up against Embid, Jokic, Giannis etc.
— Mestizo Rico (@DontLetHimShoot) July 8, 2023
User @DontLetHimShoot, says “Similar to Chet, he’s overhyped. Bro couldn’t even back down Miller. He’s got a rude awakening coming when he goes up against Embid, Jokic, Giannis, etc.” There have been similar concerns from fans about Wemby’s lanky and frankly thin frame. Until he has a physique transformation similar to the one Antetokounmpo went through, he’s going to have a tough time defending in the post.
I don’t wanna be that’s guy but he didn’t play good. U really flexing 8 rebounds for a 7,4 guy that was playing against guys not taller than 6,9? But it doesn’t mean he will be bad but don’t act like he played well tonight
— NICK (@NICKPENSKY) July 8, 2023
Biggest bust in nba history already 😭
— 𝑅𝒶𝑔𝑒𝓇 (@RookieM2_) July 8, 2023
It’s gonna be a big hill to climb. Glad to see him get humbled after getting the ESPN lebron licking for months. He will be good but he needs to bulk and get Mamba Mentality workout mindset. IMO.
— Move the Overton Window Left 🇺🇲 🌊 (@DonaldCaseAZ) July 8, 2023
He will improve once he gets acclimated to the league. If you hooped at a high level, you know points don’t matter when you are new to a system/league.
— Omar Shands (@The_Crypto_Wiz) July 8, 2023
As the above tweet states, Victor just needs time to get acclimated to the NBA hardwood. His skill set and talent are undeniable. He is also being coached by one of the greatest coaches in league history, and no one knows how to turn a malleable 19-year-old into a superstar like Gregg Popovich.