Victor Wembanyama is one of the most forward-thinking players in the NBA. This offseason, in his very first chance to walk the walk, he did just that, taking a $50 million pay cut. That allows the San Antonio Spurs to retain their young talent moving forward, setting them up for a dynasty.
Ever since entering the league, Wembanyama has made it clear that he believes in the Spurs’ long-term vision, and as they get closer and closer to a title, he’s ratcheted up the intensity.
This summer, he’s trained in Paris with his teammates, joined the French rugby team for practices, and worked out with Hakeem Olajuwon. He’s finishing up the offseason by playing for Team France in FIBA qualifying matches.
Just like his long-term plans for the Spurs, he’s instituting a legacy-defining attitude on the international level.
Victor Wembanyama Wants to Change French Basketball
The French basketball team has had its fair share of stars. Tony Parker, Nicolas Batum, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, and Boris Diaw all suited up for Les Bleus during their long NBA careers.
Even with all of that talent, they are yet to win Olympic gold or a FIBA World Cup. They’ve medaled many times, but frequently fall short against powerhouses like America, Spain, Germany, and Serbia.
Wembanyama is looking forward to turning France into a true frontrunner, and not just for the 2027 World Cup, either.
“For me, it’s a project that isn’t counted in years but in decades with the France team,” Wembanyama told Olympics.com. “It’s something that will happen over time, and it’s important not to skip steps and, every day, to be as close as possible to the person you’re meant to be. So every time I’m with this France team, I’ll try to be as close as I can to the captain I’m going to be.”
International players like Vlade Divac, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Arvydas Sabonis, and Goran Dragic have helped popularize basketball in their home countries. Basketball is already a top sport in France, but now that they boast the best player in the world, some of the country’s best young athletes might pick hooping over soccer at a young age.
Wembanyama knows he can set an example and be a role model for an entire country. He’s hoping he can win gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but more than that, he wants to see France in the mix for gold every year after that.
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