Victor Wembanyama seems to anticipate the prospect of playing NBA games in his homeland of France next season, possibly even two games.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich confirmed on Sunday night that the team will be heading to Paris for games in the upcoming season, as previously hinted at by former Spurs guard Tony Parker.
“We’re going there,” Popovich affirmed, following the Spurs’ victory over the Brooklyn Nets in Austin, Texas, their temporary home.
Wembanyama, the highly-regarded French basketball talent and front-runner for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award this season, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I’m looking forward to it very much.”
The NBA has yet to announce which teams will be participating in the Paris games, although it has been widely speculated that San Antonio and Indiana would be selected. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned during the All-Star Game last month that Wembanyama was keen to see the Spurs play in France.
“I can say that we will be back playing a regular-season game again in Paris,” Silver stated, adding that discussions are ongoing regarding the venue for the games. The specifics, including whether it will be a one- or two-game trip for the Spurs, remain unclear.
Parker suggested at this year’s NBA Paris Game that the league might play two games in France next season. Wembanyama echoed this possibility, emphasizing the significance of the occasion for him.
“It’s going to be probably the game or the games where it’s going to be very important for me because of course it’s me coming back (to) where I come from,” Wembanyama remarked. “It might be in my city or around the city. It’s going to be very special.”
Since 2020, the NBA has hosted three regular-season games in Paris, all held in January. The league has yet to announce the international games lineup for next season. Silver has indicated that Mexico City is also expected to feature on the NBA schedule for the 2024-25 season.
Wembanyama is slated to represent France in the Paris Olympics this summer, further solidifying his ties to his home country.
