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Spurs' Victor Wembanyama 'Can't Wait' to Face Team USA 'Legends' at 2024 Olympics

zach bachar

Victor Wembanyama is excited about the level of competition that he'll face during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, specifically Team USA's star-studded roster.

"I can't wait to face them -- it will be a very interesting matchup," the San Antonio Spurs forward said, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "As a basketball player, it's also a dream to play against Team USA and even against all those players, all those legends."

Wembanyama and the French national team could potentially face off against a United States roster that features superstars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.

The 20-year-old averaged 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds each night in his rookie season, while his 3.6 blocks per game represented the highest mark in the association. Wembanyama shot 46.5 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from behind the arc, although he connected on 37.5 percent of his pull-up threes (via NBA.com).

His ability to handle the ball and fire away from deep at his 7'4" height captivated fans all season long, as he eventually earned the 2024 Rookie of the Year award unanimously.

Wembanyama isn't the only NBA talent on France's roster, as the team also features players such as Detroit Pistons guard Evan Fournier, Philadelphia 76ers forward Nicolas Batum, and Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly. Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will be returning to the Olympic stage and should form an imposing frontcourt alongside the Spurs big man.

France has experienced past success on the court, earning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. However, the team was defeated by the U.S. during the gold-medal game.

Although Wembanyama will have his hands full with a Team USA roster that features Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis, he's excited for the opportunity to compete.

"I believe it's the biggest competition for an athlete," he said, per ESPN. "But I'm going to approach it like everything else in my life: a sporting pleasure."

Wembanyama's path to the Olympics will start with six friendly games, with the first occurring against Turkey on July 3.

   

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