New Spurs power forward Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, will not participate in this summer’s FIBA World Cup so he can instead focus on the NBA Summer League, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The FIBA World Cup takes place in August and September, after the NBA Summer League’s conclusion, but Wembanyama is mindful of working too much ahead of his rookie season in San Antonio.
“It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health,” Wembanyama said, as translated from L’Equipe. “I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”
