A quietly, up-down Summer League opening spectacle for Victor Wembanyama is finally in the books.
The French wunderkind struggled in his offensive showing, but he and the San Antonio Spurs managed to take their tournament debut this year against the Charlotte Hornets, 76-68, on Friday night.
Wembanyama came up short to impress the 17,500-strong Las Vegas crowd in terms of his offensive production with a lowly nine points out of 2-of-13 field goal shooting. He was still monstrous on one end in courtesy of his five huge blocks to contribute in San Antonio victory.
No. 2 pick Brandon Miller owned the lottery matchup he had with Wembanyama as he chalked up a 16-point, 11-board double-double together with three steals.
Amid the abrasive evening that highlighted him for the first time under the league’s bright lights, Wembanyama enchanted the sold-out Vegas spectators with his unique combination of size, skill and immense potential.
But the phenom had to absorb plenty of “Welcome to the NBA” moments against the Hornets — most notably the poster jam made by Kai Jones against him.
Julian Champagnie, who was re-signed by the Spurs in a four-year deal worth $15MM this offseason, flirted with his 20 points, eight boards and six assists to lead the Silver and Black.
The Spurs will continue their Summer League campaign on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
