Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Offers Victor Wembanyama Words of Wisdom Following His Debut


Photo: Instagram/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

After his first summer league game on Friday night, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama confessed to feeling a bit lost on the court at times.

However, the following day, Wembanyama had the opportunity to seek advice from basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was present at the NBA Con event hosted by Isiah Thomas, a former basketball Hall of Famer. Acknowledging his rookie status, Wembanyama admitted, "I don't have one game in me, and I just have everything to learn.

So, the truth is, yeah, I didn't know what I was doing, and for the next games, I'm probably not going to know what I'm doing either. But with time, I will improve and hopefully be ready for the season. Right now, I'm just like a kid, ready to learn."

Photo: Instagram/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar, recalling his own experience as a rookie when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, assured Wembanyama that he understood the feeling. Abdul-Jabbar, who became a six-time NBA champion and MVP, shared that he was thrust into the starting lineup in his first exhibition game without much time to ease into the role.

He encouraged Wembanyama, expressing confidence that things would eventually fall into place. Addressing Wembanyama, Abdul-Jabbar stated, "You have things to learn, but as you can see, you're an intelligent young man, and you'll get it done." 

The presence of Abdul-Jabbar in the crowd during Wembanyama's debut meant a great deal to the rookie, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NBA summer league and share the stage with basketball icons like Abdul-Jabbar and Thomas.

During the panel discussion, Thomas inquired about the differences Abdul-Jabbar observed in the modern game, particularly highlighting Wembanyama's versatile role on the court. Reflecting on this, Abdul-Jabbar humorously mentioned being "over-coached" in his time and described how bringing the ball up the court was discouraged, with coaches immediately redirecting him to pass to the guard and run set plays.

Wembanyama also revealed his aspirations of bringing championships to the San Antonio Spurs, and Abdul-Jabbar provided advice on how to achieve that goal. Abdul-Jabbar emphasized the importance of understanding how one's skill set can contribute to a winning effort, assuring Wembanyama that the preseason would offer valuable insights in that regard.

The exchange between Wembanyama and Abdul-Jabbar at the NBA Con showcased the passing of wisdom from a legendary player to a promising rookie, highlighting the genuine care and interest basketball luminaries have for the future generations of the sport.

As Wembanyama continues his journey in the NBA summer league, he can draw inspiration from Abdul-Jabbar's experiences and guidance, fueling his drive to excel and make a lasting impact in the league.

Read Next: Spurs' Gregg Popovich Signs Historic $80 Million Deal, Becomes Highest-Paid NBA Coach

Source: ESPN


You May Like

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Now

Harping On Harper Hempel: The Viral Video And The Truth Behind Jamal Murray's Girlfriend

Image
Photo: Instagram/Harper Hempel Harper Hempel gained significant attention alongside her boyfriend, Jamal Murray , in 2020 when a viral video featuring the couple emerged. Known for his exceptional skills, Murray is regarded as one of the most talented players in the NBA. Before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets , the Canadian athlete showcased his abilities during his tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats . At 25 years old, Murray has continued to impress for the Nuggets since being selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. With each passing season, he has demonstrated remarkable improvement and played a key role in the team's success. Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on player movement, Murray's performance shone brightly, leading the Nuggets to the finals of the Western Conference. This marked Denver's first appearance in the conference finals since 2009,
Read More

Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban To Sell Majority Stake To Billionaire Miriam Adelson, Retaining Control of Team

Image
Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is reportedly selling a majority stake in the franchise to billionaire Miriam Adelson, the largest shareholder of Las Vegas Sands.  Despite the sale, Cuban is set to maintain control of the team, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Shams Charania. Miriam Adelson, known for her vast wealth and recent stock sale of approximately $2 billion in Las Vegas Sands, is entering the world of professional sports by acquiring a significant share of the Mavericks. Photo: Instagram/Mark Cuban The deal values the team at $3.5 billion, slightly below Forbes' recent valuation of $4.5 billion, ranking them as the seventh-most valuable NBA franchise. Cuban's strategic move aligns with his ambition to relocate the Mavericks to a new arena, ideally situated within a resort and casino.  This plan may involve a partnership with Las Vegas Sands, the world's largest casino company. However, the challenge lies in Texas' current
Read More

Buffalo Bills' NFL Linebacker Von Miller Faces Assault Charges In Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

Image
Photo: Instagram/Von Miller Buffalo Bills' linebacker Von Miller is under investigation for assault against a pregnant woman in Dallas, with an arrest warrant issued this week.  The 34-year-old faces a third-degree felony charge, carrying a potential 2 to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Miller is accused of assaulting his romantic partner during a dispute over travel plans at their apartment.  The victim, who is six weeks pregnant, suffered minor injuries, including bruising and abrasions. Photo: Instagram/Von Miller The altercation involved Miller shoving her, applying pressure to her neck, and damaging her belongings, as detailed in the arrest-warrant affidavit. The Bills, informed of the incident Thursday morning, stated they are gathering information before commenting further.  Miller's attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.  The NFL star, known for his standout career with the Broncos and Rams, has won two Super Bowls and holds the record for mos
Read More

Nikola Jokic's Spectacular Dunk Steals The Spotlight In Rockets-Nuggets Showdown

Image
Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In a thrilling Wednesday evening matchup against the Houston Rockets, Nikola Jokic 's return to the starting lineup for the Denver Nuggets became the talk of the town.  Jokic, who missed Monday's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcased his prowess with a jaw-dropping dunk that is now making waves on social media. The highlight-reel moment occurred in the second quarter when Jokic, assisted by Michael Porter Jr., executed a spectacular dunk over Rockets' Alperen Sengun. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Adding to the excitement, the two-time MVP also delivered an impressive eight assists in the first quarter, further solidifying his multifaceted impact on the game. Entering the matchup with impressive season averages of 28.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.2 steals, Jokic has been a key driving force for the Nuggets.  JOKER POSTER pic.twitter.com/3TGNrV98X6 — Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 30, 2023 The team, currently hold
Read More

NBA Fines Luka Doncic $2,000 For Flopping; Mavericks Star Responds With Referee Costume Antics

Image
Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic In a twist of events, the NBA has slapped a $2,000 fine on Luka Doncic for a first-quarter flop during the Dallas Mavericks' triumph over the Houston Rockets.  Despite a stellar performance with 41 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, Doncic found himself lighter in the wallet due to a questionable play. The league's announcement of the "postgame flopping fine" coincided with Doncic's unique response—posting pictures of himself donning referee attire on Instagram. Photo: Instagram/Luka Doncic Known for his sense of humor, the Mavericks' standout took the penalty in stride, adding a touch of levity to the situation. Notably, this season has seen a tempered side of Doncic in interactions with officials, with only three technical fouls to his name through 17 games.  This contrasts with previous years where he risked suspensions for accumulating technical fouls.  Doncic's newfound composure may be attributed to the strengthene
Read More

Cristiano Ronaldo Hit With $1 Billion Lawsuit Over Alleged Binance NFT Scam

Image
Photo: Instagram/Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer sensation Cristiano Ronaldo is embroiled in a $1 billion class-action lawsuit, accused of endorsing fraudulent non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in collaboration with Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.  The lawsuit, filed in a Florida court, alleges Ronaldo actively participated in the sale of unregistered securities, causing substantial financial losses for investors who bought NFTs of the star. Ronaldo's partnership with Binance, announced in November 2022, involved the sale of unique NFTs capturing iconic moments from his career.  These digital assets gained popularity but are now at the center of legal scrutiny. The lawsuit contends that Ronaldo made deceptive statements and failed to disclose essential information, including his compensation from Binance. Photo: Instagram/Cristiano Ronaldo Furthermore, the plaintiffs argue that Binance and Ronaldo were aware that their promotions targeted crypto-unfamiliar consumers, e
Read More

Braves Insider Sparks Uncertainty In Dodgers' Ohtani And Cease Pursuit Rumors

Image
Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani In a surprising turn of events, Braves insider Mark Bowman suggests that the Atlanta Braves might not be in the running for two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox.  This revelation could significantly impact the Dodgers' chances of securing both players. Earlier speculations had Dodgers fans on edge when it was believed that the Braves were a serious contender for Ohtani. However, Bowman's statement throws uncertainty into the mix, potentially relieving LA supporters. While the Dodgers remain favorites to acquire Ohtani, competition is fierce. Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and the incumbent Los Angeles Angels are making compelling cases for the sought-after superstar. Regarding Cease, initial reports pointed to the Braves as leading candidates for a trade. With those rumors now dispelled, the Dodgers may regain their standing in the
Read More

Klay Thompson Ascends NBA's All-Time Scoring Chart In Warriors' Clash With Kings

Image
Photo: Instagram/Klay Thompson In a thrilling matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, Klay Thompson etched his name in NBA history by climbing the all-time scoring ladder. Starting the evening with 14,396 career points, Thompson surpassed Jojo White's 14,399, securing the 172nd spot on the prestigious list. The next milestone on his ascent is Nate Thurmond at 14,437 points. Thompson, the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft from Washington State, showcased his consistent brilliance, averaging 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Photo: Instagram/Klay Thompson Despite a 40.2% field goal and 36.7% three-point shooting, the Warriors currently stand at 8-9, holding the tenth seed in the Western Conference. In their most recent victory against the San Antonio Spurs (118-112), Thompson contributed 15 points, three rebounds, six assists, and a steal in 29 minutes.  Klay starting things off with a quick two. 📺 @NBAonTNT pic.twitter
Read More

LeBron James Makes NBA History In Lakers-76ers Showdown

Image
Photo: Instagram/LeBron James In a monumental moment during Monday's clash, LeBron James etched his name in NBA history.  The Los Angeles Lakers, led by James, faced off against the formidable Philadelphia 76ers in Pennsylvania. At 38, in his remarkable 21st NBA season, four-time champion LeBron James surpassed all expectations by becoming the all-time leader in minutes played. Photo: Instagram/LeBron James Despite his enduring career, James continues to rank among the league's top players. Entering the game with impressive averages of 25.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest, James showcased his enduring prowess.  Shooting at an impressive 55.9% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, he remains a force to be reckoned with. LEBRON HAS NOW PLAYED THE MOST MINUTES IN NBA HISTORY 👑 He passes Kareem for the most career minutes, including regular season and playoffs (66,298). pic.twitter.com/BT1PgAa24x — ESPN (@espn) November 28, 2023 The Laker
Read More

James Harden Makes NBA History With 1,011th Career Game In Nuggets-Clippers Match

Image
Photo: Instagram/James Harden In a historic move, James Harden climbed the NBA's all-time games played list during the face-off between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday evening in California.  The seasoned player's 1,011th career regular-season game ties him with Jermaine O'Neal at 137th place. As he surpassed O'Neal, Harden eyes the next milestone set by Antonio McDyess at 1,015 games. Photo: Instagram/James Harden The 2018 MVP, who was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Clippers at the season's start, showcased his versatility with averages of 14.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Currently positioned as the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 7-8 record, the Clippers recently clinched a victory against the Dallas Mavericks with a score of 107-88.  HARD3N pic.twitter.com/88c5CIYuKR — LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 28, 2023 In 28 minutes of play, Harden contributed eight points, four rebound
Read More