Victor Wembanyama has reminded NBA fans that he is human after missing multiple jump shots during his first practice with the San Antonio Spurs.
Thousands greeted the French teenager upon his arrival in San Antonio at the airport. Soon after touching down in Texas, Wembanyama visited AT&T Center for the first time since being drafted by the Spurs.
Once there, the teenager went through a quick shootaround on his new home court in front of a few San Antonio fans. Wearing the white number one Spurs jersey with Wembanyama on the back, the seven-footer notably made multiple layups while barely needing to jump.
The Frenchman also attempted some mid-range jump shots with more mixed success. One, taken from just outside the paint, clanked off the front rim and out right in front of several supporters sitting courtside.
With almost everyone inside the arena already having their phones out to record the experience and television cameras capturing every moment, the footage has since circulated on social media. Inevitably, the jokes on Twitter have followed.
One fan dubbed Wembanyama 'the next Darko Milicic'. The Serbian center is widely considered one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history after being selected number two overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2003.
Others have made comparisons to another former number two pick, Shawn Bradley. Another hopeful Philadelphia 76ers fan suggested that the Spurs should already cut their losses and trade Wembanyama to Philly, with some suggesting he will be back playing in Europe before long.
After the short shootaround, the rookie had his introductory news conference alongside Spurs general manager Brian Wright. While in town, Wembanyama met season-ticket holders at the Arneson River Theater.
However it was from talking to reporters, fans received insight into how the organization and a host of legends welcomed the number one pick to the league. Wembanyama dined out with David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Sean Elliott in San Antonio.
The quartet shared their advice with the teenager, who appreciated the gesture. "In probably a couple of hours, I learned more about the NBA than in my whole life before," Wembanyama said.
"It's so comforting to see the people who are so important to the city of San Antonio and to the franchise are such kind people and generous. They genuinely wanted to share with me their experience. I feel like they've already started to take great care of me."
Fellow Frenchman and former Spurs star Tony Parker is another franchise great who has been in contact with Wembanyama during the draft process. The four-time NBA champion knows the teenager from French club Villeurbanne.
“So when the Spurs got the lottery pick, we talked, exchanged texts, and it was the same last night,” Parker told The Associated Press on Friday. “I’m very happy for him and I will definitely try to support him.”
