2024-08-12 14:00:01
Victor Wembanyama clapped his hands, praising the crowd. It’s a sight San Antonio Spurs fans are used to. In his first year with the franchise, the giant has proven to be mature beyond his years and grateful for the chance to don the Silver and Black. This time, after a loss in the gold medal game to the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics, something was different.
Wembanyama left the court with tears in his eyes. If not for a barrage of three-pointers from arguably the best shooter of all time, Stephen Curry, Wemby would have gold hanging from his neck. Not only would a France win give the 20-year-old phenom his first gold medal, but it would have been the first time the country won Olympic gold in the sport. How fitting would it have been for it to happen in Paris? The weight of this moment wasn’t lost on the young big man. The defeat may just propel him to another level.
“I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years,” Wembanyama told reporters after the game.
When asked if he meant in FIBA play or the NBA, Wemby responded: “Everywhere.”
These moments are what make a superstar a champion. LeBron James had to lose in the NBA Finals twice before he won a title. The same player that prevented Wembanyama from winning the gold medal, Curry, took his lumps in the playoffs before becoming the best player in a dynasty. The difference with Wembanyama is he is getting these experiences incredibly early in his career.
The end of the Olympics ties a bow on Wemby’s rookie season. In his first season in the NBA, he won Rookie of the Year, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 20 and 10, and then won his country a silver medal. He was named to the Olympic All-Star Five along with Dennis Schröder, Curry, James and Nikola Jokic. Wembanyama was the Rising Star of the tournament. He’s already building a strong resume after just one season. Most impactful rookies don’t get the chance to earn accolades like this and play meaningful winning basketball.
The Spurs had a poor record this season, but Wembanyama got playoff experience in the Olympics. Throughout the event, he was the focal point of opposing defenses. They pushed him off his spot, sent double teams on post touches and forced him to be an outside shotmaker and playmaker. Without another consistent scoring presence, all eyes were on Wembanyama and he delivered. He had 26 points in the gold medal game and led France in scoring for the Olympics.
He took plenty of lumps too. Teams were able to disrupt his scoring rhythm and take him out of the game in spurts. During those periods he was still a playmaker and defensive anchor, showing he can impact the game in high-stakes situations, even if he isn’t scoring. He’s also learning the need for go-to moves and counters around the basket and on the perimeter when defenses key in on him. He wasn’t perfect in Paris, but this learning experience should help him hit the ground running whenever he makes the NBA Playoffs or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The basketball world was already scared of what Wembanyama could become before the Olympics. This offseason (if you can even call it that) was crucial for his development into a future champion. The Olympics proved he can compete with the best of the best already. The experience gained here should give him an edge over other young players as he looks to compete for titles in San Antonio for years to come. Wembanyama’s Olympic tears of defeat may turn to tears of joy sooner than we all think.
