Some may have thought Victor Wembanyama’s All-Star debut could have come Sunday since he’s been hooping lately, but he showed off his skills in the Rising Stars contest instead.
“It would’ve been greater if I was on the All-Star team but it’s a great experience I’m going to have,” Wembanyama said before his Rising Stars debut.
Wembanyama finished the night with 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, though Wemby’s Team Pau weren’t able overcome Team Detlef in their semifinal.
“I wish we would have come out with the win, but it’s always fun to go up against great competition and play alongside other talented players,” Wembanyama said after the game.
The new Rising Stars format that started in 2023, sees the rookies, sophomores and select G Leaguers split into four teams, but Wembanyama is hoping for some more elite competition at next year’s All-Star weekend at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
“It’s been a lot of fun experiences so far,” Wembanyama said. “Just playing in the Rising Stars game and everything.” He paused for a moment and smiled, “And next year, hopefully the big game.”
Even though he’s not playing in the main All-Star game, plenty of NBA All-Star veterans gave their flowers to the number one overall pick.
“He can achieve anything he wants in this game,” Kevin Durant said of Wembanyama. “He’s only getting more comfortable as time goes on… Luckily, I’m on my way out, so I won’t have to deal with it too much.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo said of the Frenchman, “As long as Victor is healthy, the league is his.”
“LeBron is kind of like that,” Antetokounmpo added. “He’s close to the end of his career. … But we have to deal with this problem now moving forward.”
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