NBA has been warned, and ‘Wimbamania’ has already been seen. Phenomenon Victor Wimpanyama is the most favorite ever to be No. 1 in the next draft: Still very dominant, he led the Metropolitan to success (112-106), Thursday, in a friendly against G-League Ignite, with 36 points, 11 rebounds And 4 blocks to his credit, after 37 points on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old Frenchman, who had been followed only by observers for a few years, and had already announced the upcoming phenomenon, asserted that all good people thought of him in his first steps in the United States, which he dreamed of conquering. All in front of about 200 representatives, general managers, and recruits, from thirty NBA franchises, who came to check it out.
“great experience”
An unprecedented promotional process for “Amal” (Hope), moreover non-American, put a huge pressure on his young shoulders, given the prospects for him. But in two matches, like many demonstrations of strength, carried by impudent talent and extraordinary physical abilities, he made everyone agree, while showing himself very relaxed and mature in the face of madness. The media.
“It was a unique and wonderful experience. I don’t know how it could have been better,” Wimpanyama commented in a post-match press conference, which was his second in less than 48 hours. And it was revenge for Ignite, a team made up partly of young talents likely to be chosen by the franchise in 2023 who won (122-115) in the first round.
Beware of ‘tanks’, warns NBA chief
This time, Wimpanyama not only excelled individually, but also led his team to victory. After scoring 37 points (7/11 behind the arc) and 5 successful blocks on Tuesday, he was almost doing well, but showed himself more active on both sides of the field, adding 4 assists to his bag. He also introduced the show by hitting a dipping after an alley (pass in the air) started by Hugo Besson.
Above all, he was decisive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points which contributed greatly to the return of the Metropolitans, who were twelve units behind at the start of this final quarter. His interception, the only one in the match, in the last second, and two free throws scored his team’s final victory.
It’s all under the eyes of fellow countryman Rudy Gobert, who came as a neighbor from twenty kilometers away Las Vegas, where the Blues are doing pre-season training with his new club, the Minnesota Timberwolves. “It’s really exciting, we’re lucky to have such talent, we’ve never seen a player like Victor,” Joubert said on ESPN’s microphone broadcasting the match live.
Adam Silver, president of the NBA, warned franchisees that the practice of “dropping,” the practice of dropping the rankings for a better chance of getting a first draft in the lottery, would not happen. Progress, but everyone will have to fight on a regular basis. »
What is clear is that France’s “generational talent”, if unscathed, will be more desirable than ever. Franchise chief told ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski on condition of anonymity that the wording of “Wimba” could add $500 million to the lucky winner’s value.
“Nothing has been done yet”
“I’ve known him since he was thirteen, and we knew he was going to be unique. He’s very mature, he knows where he wants to go. He intends to make a massive internal duo with him in the France national team, during the upcoming international events, a tournament,” added the one. World 2023 and the Olympic Games in Paris, “I don’t think any comparison is possible”.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s main target is the United States as he impressed NBA stars, particularly LeBron James (Lakers) whom he called a “foreigner” on Wednesday night.
“It’s an honor to have great players talk about me in that way, but it doesn’t change anything. I thought it was great, but I have to stay focused on my goals. I haven’t accomplished anything yet, I haven’t played any NBA games, nor have I I’m being recruited,” he replied undisturbed after the match.
June 22, 2023 is still a long way off, more than eight months. But his trajectory is perfect for now: Wimpanyama has never been in a good position and is within sight of becoming the first Frenchman in history to be picked first.
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