San Antonio Spurs fans enjoy a heavy day of basketball on July 6th. The organization’s Summer League team will suit up for its first game in Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. CT. It will be the first time we witness Spurs first round choice, Stephon Castle, play for the Silver and Black. They also got to observe last year’s first overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, dominate for the French National Team.
After demolishing Turkey in its first friendly play, France crushed Germany in a 90-66 triumph. Once again, Wembanyama led the way with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in just 19 minutes. The Spurs star put on a shooting display, knocking down 5 of his 9 three-pointers. He got into his shot off the dribble and spotting up. In the first half, he attempted to get downhill on a German defender before immediately changing course for a between-the-legs step-back jumper that splashed home. He put on an outstanding display of shotmaking.
Once again the pairing of Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert was a focal point for France. Early in the game the French attempted to get into a high-low set with Gobert and Wemby occupying either spot. Having two 7-foot big men who can pass and finish makes the action difficult to guard. Wembanyama seemed particularly comfortable handling the ball and made post entry passes to Gobert. The Minnesota Timberwolves big man finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block.
Spurs supporters know that Wembanyama can handle the ball in the pick-and-roll. Typically in San Antonio’s attack, guards like Tre Jones are the ones establishing the screen. This action is made better by a big player who can complete and pass out of the short roll. Wembanyama found many passes to Gobert in the pick-and-roll.
It makes you wonder what a Wembanyama-Lauri Markkanen front court may look like. The Utah Jazz forward has been embroiled in trade rumors and linked to San Antonio. At 7-foot, Markkanen is a powerful finisher who was nearly a 50/40/90 shooter last season. He can handle the basketball and score out of the pick-and-roll himself. A combination of Wembanyama and Markkanen would imitate a lot of what France can achieve with Wemby and Gobert, only with more variety. They might run ghost screens, pick-and-pops, slips and rolls. If the defense falls under the screen to protect the paint, both Wembanyama and Markkanen are capable of pulling from deep. It’s an offensive match made in heaven.
Wembanyama’s shooting stroke looked solid on Saturday. He hit spot up threes, shots off movement and a deep pull-up in the second half. The big guy has been focusing on strengthening his body and perfecting his three-point shot. Last season he hit 32.5% from deep, but his shot this summer has looked smoother and more compact. Adding a reliable long ball to his game will make Wembanyama an even more potent offensive weapon.
Germany was without Franz and Moe Wagner, who may have supplied some opposition to France’s inner game. NBA player, Dennis Schroeder was fiery with 23 points, 6 assists and a steal for Germany in the loss. France’s next exhibition match will come against Serbia on July 12, which will be a harder opponent than they’ve faced thus far. It’s still to be confirmed whether Nikola Jokic will play. Wembanyama will face his biggest defensive job this so far this summer if he does.
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