SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs on Saturday held a press conference to introduce their top overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama, along with second-round draft pick Sidy Cissoko.
On Thursday, the Spurs made Wembanyama, 19, the third number-one overall pick in the team’s history, joining franchise cornerstone and NBA legend Tim Duncan and center David “The Admiral’ Robinson, both Hall-of-Famers. They each won multiple titles with the team.
After being introduced by Spurs General Manager Brian Wright, Wembanyama spoke about being drafted, his last 72 hours, what he’s done in San Antonio since his arrival, and what his upcoming schedule looks like. Current Spurs players Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan were both in attendance.
“I’m really enjoying the moment,” Wembanyama said to the media. “Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been welcomed, and it’s warming.”
Wembanyama said the last few days have been a whirlwind, and since his arrival, he really hasn’t gotten to do much.
He’s had tacos, met with the Spurs staff, but the highlight has clearly been dinner with Spurs basketball royalty Gregg Popovich, R.C. Buford, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili.
“It’s comforting, (they’re) such kind people who wanted to share their experience. So comforting to be in that position,” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama said as a basketball player, he is trying to learn from the best. He wants to continue to improve his game while staying true to who he is.
“The fans have been their best at their job, so I hope to be the best and at their level,” Wembanyama said.
The 7-foot 4-inch big man said in his future he still has houses to visit before heading to Portland to speak with Nike officials. He said he also intends to get back to practicing and lifting before playing both summer league and with France for FIBA basketball.
Victor Wembanyama poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 22, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (Associated Press)
The team also introduced second-round pick Sidy Cissoko, who is also from France. He played last season with the G League Ignite, where he averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 28 regular season games.
Cissoko said he believes he can make a name on the team as a defensive player, using his versatility as a potential strength on the court.
“I can play one through four,” Cissoko said. “I know if you play hard on defense, you can play good on offense.”
Cissoko added that he’s known Wembanyama since he was about nine or 10 years old, back when he was much shorter, standing “only” 6 foot 6. He’s excited to play alongside him.
“The Spurs are really good, I am proud to be here,” Cissoko said.
The Spurs, however, have recently failed to make the playoffs, missing out the last four seasons after matching a league record of 22 straight playoff appearances. It’s the longest drought in the franchise’s 50-year history. As the most highly touted prospect since LeBron James, the expectation is that Wembanyama can help lead them back to the postseason.
“People have been showing (me) a lot of love, and I feel like I can give that back to the city,” Wembanyama said.
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