Since the 2023 NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama has reacted with a big smile to everything the league has presented. However, something recently happened between him and Ivica Zubac. This incident seems to have struck the wrong chord for the Frenchman.
During a recent matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the LA Clippers, Wembanyama put out a rare display of aggression. After Clippers center Ivica Zubac delivered an unwarranted shove to Wemby while vying for a rebound, the young Spurs star wasted no time in responding. As Harrison Barnes attempted a corner three, Wembanyama moved in for what appeared to be a routine rebound. However, Zubac’s forceful shove sent Wembanyama tumbling out of bounds.
The Spurs rookie aggressively charged toward Zubac, clearly ready to confront the Clippers big man. Teammates and coaches quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. However, this encounter has also brought attention to Wembanyama’s growth in the league.
Victor Wembanyama running after Zubac. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2025
pic.twitter.com/1qPQLvu44Y
Since being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, he has transformed his game, physically and mentally. Given the increase in physical play on the court, he has bulked up from 210 to 235 pounds, allowing him to better handle plays like the shove from Zubac. With Wembanyama now averaging impressive stats of 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks this season, he is a star in making.
Also Read: Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Headlines 2025 NBA Rising Stars Player Pool, And Fans Are Loving It
Victor Wembanyama Gets Emotional While Talking About His Homeland
Recently, Victor Wembanyama’s journey back to France with San Antonio was a nostalgic homecoming for him. Having left his home in Le Chesnay to pursue his NBA career, returning to Paris as a basketball star brought Wemby a sense of completion.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Before we even start taking questions, I just want to underline, this week was amazing. Not even trying to get emotional, everybody made this week incredible. Everybody, that means even you guys. Thank you for making that happen. All this contributes to making basketball better and me happy at the end of the day. So, thank you,” Wembanyama said during his final presser in Paris.
Victor Wembanyama was already a basketball phenom at 15 — and the Spurs took notice.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 29, 2025
“It was the way we structured our rebuild."@MikeVorkunov goes behind San Antonio’s first look at Wembanyama and shares how it recalibrated their plans ⤵️https://t.co/KZZhK5IIHN pic.twitter.com/5wRohBkM4u
The experience was especially poignant as he came home as a celebrated NBA Rookie of the Year and brought hope for aspiring athletes in France. As the Spurs return to the regular season, Wembanyama will carry with him the memories and warmth of his homecoming, ready to face the challenges ahead.
