3 Reasons Summer League should have Spurs fans excited for next season

The San Antonio Spurs were among the most highly anticipated Las Vegas Summer League teams in the NBA, and fans of the Silver and Black were even more excited than usual to see what these young bucks were capable of with the world watching them under the bright lights. From second-year players making breakthroughs to their lauded 2023 draft class putting themselves on the map, there is no shortage of reasons to be enthusiastic for the upcoming season.

1. Victor Wembanyama...literally just Victor Wembanyama

Labeling Wembanyama as a primary reason may sound cliche, but it’s true. We all knew he was talented, and he continued to put it on display in Summer League. Despite an inefficient debut in Las Vegas, the number one overall pick showed he has all the tools to be a perennial All-Defensive Team candidate. He recorded five blocks and showed lateral quickness switching on the perimeter, which is an almost unheard of combination for anyone of his size.

Wembanyama also showed off his ability to handle the rock and create shots for his teammates. He displayed how comfortable he is getting out in transition and leading the break while flashing a knack for making the right read off the dribble. His first game wasn’t pretty, but the French sensation made it clear he will be just fine in due time.

One of the defining characteristics of a star is their ability to respond after a poor performance, and Victor did just that with a 27-point explosion in game two against the Portland Trail Blazers. Wemby proved he can be one of the most dominant two-way players in the league. He shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the floor, hitting a pair of three-pointers in crunch time that nearly helped the Spurs pull off a massive come-from-behind win.

Victor controlled the glass as he grabbed 12 rebounds, four coming on the offensive end. And once again, he demonstrated his generational defensive potential, swatting three shots and reaching into the cookie jar for one steal.

The 7-foot-3 forward has played four games in an NBA setting. During these matchups against the G-League Ignite, Hornets, and Blazers, Wembanyama averaged 27.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 42.9 percent from three. The sky is the limit for Wembanyama, and Spurs fans have every reason to be excited about their newest star.