VICTOR Wembanyama returned home to be the star of the show at the NBA’s games in Paris.
Wemby, 21, paid a visit to the team which helped him kick start his basketball career.
AFPVictor Wembanyama returned to his former team in Paris[/caption]
AFPWembanyama took part in a training session at Palais des Sports Maurice Thorez in Nanterre[/caption]
He played two years for Nanterre 92 in a Paris suburb from 2019 to 2021.
And two years later he became the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft with the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama’s selection was one of the most hyped draft picks since LeBron James in 2003.
“It’s a bit like two worlds colliding,” Wembanyama said about returning to his old team.
“It’s special, you don’t expect that in a career.
“It’s a bit my way of making people happy who will never have the opportunity to go to the United States.
“It’s very important to me. It’s a pride, but also a responsibility.
“In terms of sports, but also in terms of communication, the image of the Spurs, which has always been communicated.”
The 21-year-old added, “Yes, a lot of excitement. It was even a bit surreal to see all my teammates in this arena where I spent so much time.
“For now, it’s going well.
“In any case, it’s really extremely pleasant. There is emotion.”
Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs will take on the Indiana Pacers in this year’s Paris games.
Both teams arrived in Europe on Monday and the Spurs headed straight to Wemby’s former team to host a youth skills clinic.
The first regular-season game in the French capital was in 2020 when the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets.
NBA returned to Paris two years ago after Covid with the Chicago Bulls against Detroit Pistons.
NBA Paris Games history
24 January 2020 – Milwaukee Bucks 116-103 Charlotte Hornets
19 January 2023 – Chicago Bulls 126-108 Detroit Pistons
11 January 2024 – Cleveland Cavaliers 111-102 Brooklyn Nets
23 January 2025 – San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
25 January 2025 – San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
And 2024 saw the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Brooklyn Nets.
This year will be the first time the NBA is playing back to back games in the French capital.
The first Spurs-Pacers showdown is Thursday and the second contest takes place Thursday at Accor Arena.
The arena hosted the gold medal game of the Olympic basketball tournament last summer.
Wembanyama’s France team was defeated by the USA in the dream final.
AFPWembanyama was the center of attention in Paris after arriving on Monday[/caption]
AFPThe 21-year-old was born in a Paris suburb and became the No. 1 overall NBA pick in 2023[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
