Hakeem Olajuwon has shared what he told Victor Wembanyama after working with the San Antonio Spurs rookie during their training sessions together.
Wembanyama is already turning heads in his third year in the NBA. His performance in the San Antonio Spurs’ season opener made it clear he is ready to take another step forward.
In preparation for the new season, the Frenchman spent time training with Olajuwon, focusing on refining specific areas of his game.
The impact of that work was evident right away. He dropped 40 points against the Dallas Mavericks, breaking a franchise record for most points scored by a Spur on opening night.
Wemby’s post-game weightlifting session in the Spurs’ locker room, coupled with Olajuwon’s evaluation of his play, signals a concerning development for the rest of the NBA.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s belief in Victor Wembanyama’s limitless potential
Olajuwon appeared on FS1’s First Things First to discuss his offseason training sessions with Wembanyama. Although he was initially hesitant, the Houston Rockets legend ended up spending time with the Spurs big man over the summer.
Hakeem was so impressed by the Frenchman’s performance in their sessions that he told him there were no limits to his game, a sentiment he reiterated during the interview.
“My first question is, what are they trying to accomplish? These are great players on their own and I think the best thing is just to leverage their talents to see how I can add value to what’s already existing.”
He went on to explain how their meeting at the Final Four turned into a longer training commitment than expected.
“When we met at the Final Four, he emphasised that he wanted to work out with me. The first thing I said was, ‘Wemby, you got everything…’
“I thought he was kidding. He was serious, and my first question to him was ‘what are you trying to accomplish?’”
“He said, ‘Just love the game, let’s work on every aspect…’ I told him, ‘You have the freedom. You can play 1-5. So there’s no limitations in your ability.
“It was great working out with him because we worked on his outside game, the inside, and also how to leverage his height when those smaller guys are pushing him out of the box.
“He’s the ideal icon for that (modern) style of basketball. He handles the ball so well. He can shoot the ball so well. He has the agility, the movement. The most important thing – he’s willing to learn.
“I don’t see any ceiling. He can do whatever he wants on the floor.”
Victor Wembanyama could be in the MVP race this season
After years of rebuilding, Wembanyama could be the player who finally brings the San Antonio Spurs back to the playoffs.
If San Antonio does climb near the top of the standings, there is no doubt it will be because Wembanyama has taken his game to another level.
In his 40-point performance against Dallas, he scored from everywhere on the floor and was just as impressive on defence.
This season, Wembanyama could realistically be in contention for three major awards: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player. He might not win them all, but it would not be surprising if he walked away with at least one.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
