Victor Wembanyama, the 7'4” French forward who has become one of the NBA's most exciting talents, recently shared a personal story. In a recent interview on a French network, the San Antonio Spurs player revealed that Kevin Durant, the famous forward who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, was his childhood idol and the player he loved growing up.
The connection between Wembanyama and Durant became clear during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the two stars faced each other in the highly anticipated gold medal match. Wembanyama, who leads the French national team, found himself directly matched with his idol in the battle for the grand prize.
Although France fell short, losing 98-87 to Team USA, the experience was a defining moment for the young star when Durant came to talk to him.
“He was my favorite player when I was young… I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him [and] maybe steal one or 2 of his secret ways.”
Victor Wembanyama in his interview with Kevin Durant after the gold medal game 🙌
(with @m6info /YT)pic.twitter.com/wbTDvFpsG7
– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 15, 2024
There was a post-match interaction between the two, a moment of mutual respect. “He became my favorite player in childhood … I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him, maybe steal 1 or 2 of his secret tricks,” said the young French player about their conversation.
Durant, who has inspired countless young players, took the time to speak with Wembanyama, offering advice, encouragement and comfort. For Wembanyama, it was more than just talking—it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, to stand toe to toe with the player who was his hero.
In a league that is always watched closely, the rise of Victor Wembanyama is proof that great players like Durant have in the next generation.
With the guidance of his idol and his incredible talent, Wembanyama is poised to become one of the next stars in the NBA, following in the footsteps of the player who inspired him from the beginning.
Kevin Durant Buys Stake In French Soccer Club Paris Saint-Germain As He Begins To Consider Retirement
After winning the Olympic Basketball gold medal in Paris, Kevin Durant has kept himself busy building a new future. A few days after beating France in the final, it was announced by the media that the forward of the Phoenix Suns has become part of the French football team Paris Saint-Germain.
The NBA champion, one of the most prominent players in the league, is reportedly considering retirement as the league continues to be young. At 35 years old, the veteran is still playing at a high level, but he is increasingly thinking about his future in an NBA dominated by rising stars.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, revealed that the evolution of the NBA influenced his decision. “The older I get in the league and the smaller the league gets, I tend to think about retirement a lot,” Durant said recently. “I've had my time, and now I'm thinking about what's next for me.”
With up-and-coming talents like Wembanyama playing a bigger role, Durant is considering stepping down. Although he remains strong on the field, the physical and mental demands of maintaining that level of play have him considering his options.
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