Spurs shut down Wemby for rest of Summer League

The San Antonio Spurs have shut down Victor Wembanyama for the remainder of Summer League, the team announced Monday, according to Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express-News.

The Spurs' plan all along was for the French phenom to play just two contests in Las Vegas, adds Finger.

Wembanyama bounced back after a rough Spurs debut, posting a team-high 27 points, 12 boards, and three blocks in Sunday's 85-80 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers.

He tallied nine points, eight boards, five blocks, and three assists against the Charlotte Hornets in his only other appearance.

San Antonio selected Wembanyama No. 1 overall in June. The teenager is coming off a standout 2022-23 campaign with French club Metropolitans 92, averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 boards, three blocks, and 2.4 assists over 34 appearances. He was named MVP, best scorer, and best defender in France's top domestic basketball league.

Wembanyama's season ended just before last month's NBA draft. Following Sunday's contest, he admitted that the media frenzy surrounding him has been a bit taxing.

"In the past month, I think basketball wasn't even 50% of my schedule," Wembanyama told reporters, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. "I can't stand it. I know it's a special moment in my life, but I'm glad it's over.

"Honestly, I just want to hoop. I just want to work out, lift, because this is my life. Obviously, every first pick is going to go through this. And it just makes me better for the future."

The Spurs are 1-1 in Summer League play. They'll take on the Washington Wizards on Tuesday and the Detroit Pistons on Friday.