4 French players Wembanyama should emulate in the NBA

The Spurs are well known for harvesting international talent that finds a way to shine in the NBA under the mentorship of Gregg Popovich. Many European athletes have worn the Silver and Black over the years, and Victor Wembanyama will be just the sixth French player to suit up for San Antonio.

France has produced a handful of recognizable names since basketball started becoming a global sport, and several of their homegrown stars have reached the NBA and succeeded at the highest level, paving the way for Victor Wembanyama to follow in their footsteps.

4. Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah was one of the most instrumental cogs of the best Chicago Bulls teams since the Michael Jordan era. Unfortunately, the basketball gods didn't allow him to win a championship ring in the NBA (especially after Derrick Rose's injury). Nonetheless, the French-American star still had a solid career in the association.

The Bulls selected Noah with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 Draft, and he averaged 9.0 rebounds per game during his career at shot at least 48% from the field in every season he played in the NBA. Following nine years in Chicago, injuries derailed his momentum, and his game fell apart across brief stints with the Knicks, Grizzlies, and Clippers.

Wembanyama plays the same position as Noah. He could become a defensive fortress as San Antonio's interior anchor. If the talented teenager can take some of the versatility from Joakim and apply it to his game, he could become a uniquely dominant player.