Wembanyama: Conditioning needs work after 'exhausting' Summer League debut

After playing 27 minutes in his Summer League debut, San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama acknowledged that he needs to adjust to the fast pace of NBA games.

"I think there's a lot of conditioning to do," Wembanyama said, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez. "Especially with our play style, we run a lot. It's really exhausting. Even though it was 40 minutes tonight, when I subbed out, I was always tired and exhausted."

The No. 1 overall pick finished with nine points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in the Spurs' 76-68 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. He knocked down all four of his free throws.

Wembanyama faced off against the second overall pick in the draft, former Alabama forward Brandon Miller, who recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. For the second time in Summer League history, the contest was a sellout, with the other being Zion Williamson's debut for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.

The French forward also said the biggest improvement he needs to make on the court is to be ready to react to plays made by the point guard.

"Overall, I'm glad we won this game. There's no better way to start for your premiere. Honestly, I didn't really know what I was doing on the court tonight. I'm trying to learn for next game," Wembanyama said.