Victor Wembanyama has his sights set on playing for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a development his country will surely be happy about. However, before that, his upcoming rookie stint with the San Antonio Spurs is when the 2023-24 NBA opens.
"Performing well at the Olympics would be a great story. And there will be no goal other than gold. Of course, I'll be present at the Olympics," the 19-year-old beanpole said to the media on Tuesday, September 19, via ESPN.
However, it may be a dilemma for the Spurs, who long to get their NBA campaign back on track. Aware of Wembanyama's intent, it will be interesting to see how Gregg Popovich and company will manage the 7-foot-4's minutes for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Controlling his minutes on the floor is possible, although such may not sit well with Spurs and NBA fans. A move like that could also alienate him if restrictions are in place.
Sochan can help Wemby
Then again, the Spurs have other players who could make it easy on the French player, particularly Jeremy Sochan.
Listed by ESPN NBA Insiders as one of the NBA Sophomores to watch, the Polish-American threw caution to the wind on what they bring in an interview with USA Today.
"I think it's going to be scary. Defensively, it's going to be hard to score against us. We are long. We're pesky. Offensively, I'm going to be able to find him, and I think the beautiful thing about it is whoever gets the board, just push it," Sochan quipped.
Hence, this could hint that the Spurs may not overexert Wembanyama. After France's disappointing exit at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, there is no denying that the Paris Olympics will be an entirely different animal. The chances of the French could be different with a 7-foot-4 cager present.
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