Victor Wembanyama, Projected Top Pick, Struggled Mightily in Game 1 of French League Finals
For the better of the last year, NBA fans have become accustomed to seeing dazzling reports of Victor Wembanyama’s dominance overseas. But, on Saturday, the highly-touted phenom’s latest headlines told a much different story, thanks to a rare off day.
Wembanyama, the presumed No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on June 22, kicked off the 2023 Pro A Finals with a dud of a performance in No. 2 seed Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92’s 87–64 Game 1 loss to top-seeded Monaco.
In his 27 minutes of action, Wembanyama recorded just eight points on 3-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists while adding another highlight-worthy blocked shot.
Wemby block to open the game ????
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2023
Watch Game 1 of Metropolitans 92's LNB Finals matchup against AS Monaco, LIVE on the NBA App!
➡️ https://t.co/bY75YV5vk4 pic.twitter.com/zdG4FcmyQk
While Wembanyama may receive flack for his counting stats, the 7-foot-4 French big man still, by all accounts, flashed the tantalizing two-way potential that made him a top prospect. Plus, Wembanyama and Metro 92 will have a chance to redeem themselves on Monday when the teams meet for Game 2 of their best-of-five championship series.
Despite the publicity the blowout loss and Wemby’s struggles will accrue, however, Saturday’s showing will likely have zero effect on the 19-year-old’s expected selection by the Spurs with the No. 1 overall pick later this month.