Spurs’ Victor Wembaniama won’t be snookered in ‘face of NBA’ statement

Amidst all the moaning about the perennially lackluster NBA All-Star Game, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Vembanyama showed intense competitive fire which resonated with the players on the pitch and those watching at home. He bravely led the world team with limited players and injuries, scoring 34 points and three blocks in a total of 20 minutes. Although the 7-foot-5 Frenchman was on the losing sidehe still acted like someone expected to eventually become the face of the league.

Vembanjama addressed fan apathy at the All-Star Game by injecting passion into the proceedings. The exhibition competition will always have its flaws, but for the first time in years, the conversation surrounding it is not overwhelmingly negative. And he’s a big reason why. The 22-year-old has gone out of his way to give fans a better product. That’s exactly the proactive approach Silver and company want to see from the sport’s top players.

Vembanjama’s efforts only reinforce the idea that he will soon become a beacon of the NBA. However, he does not campaign for this privilege/responsibility. The 2024 first-team all-defensive selection firmly believes that’s the kind of transformation it can only take place naturallyfree from media incitement or self-promotion.

“I see what you’re trying to make me say,” Wembanyama told reporters when asked about the players’ reluctance to publicly lay claim to the title the future face of the NBAby HoopsHipe. “But I feel like it’s something that has to be natural. Social media, the NBA can promote whoever they want, but at the end of the day it’s going to be the best players — and the ones people are looking for.”

“Being the face of the league is not something that can be manufactured—maybe only to an extent. It’s only going to be the best players. So being the face of the league would just be a byproduct of their level of basketball.”

Victor Vembanyama does not shy away from the topic. The two-time All-Star is confident he will one day take on that role. But he will not make a public statement. His performance on the field alone makes a pretty compelling case.

The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.7 blocks this season while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from 3-point range. If he can stay healthy and lead the Spurs to a deep playoff run, the NBA may no longer have to worry about finding a new leading man.