Victor Wembanyama isn't going to settle for just one title, and he thinks one teammate of his is the key to unlocking long-term success.
Ever since being picked first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama has made it clear that winning is his top priority. He's talked the talk for years, and this summer, he backed it up.
By taking a $50 million pay cut in his first-ever contract negotiations with the Spurs and Black, Wembanyama proved that he cares more about stacking rings and trophies than his bank account. For grizzled veterans, that's to be expected, but for a 22-year-old, it's unheard of.
Not only does Wembanyama want to win in the NBA, but winning internationally means a lot to him, too. This summer, he's appeared in three games so far for the French National Team and thinks their unique playstyle can result in a FIBA or Olympic title.
Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert Are Key to France
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, French head coach Vincent Collet opted to bench Rudy Gobert, starting Wembanyama as their lone center.
Between that and the 2026 playoff matchup between Gobert's Timberwolves and Wembanyama's Spurs, it would be very easy for the two to have a rivalry. After all, Wembanyama didn't just come for Gobert's role as France's leader, he stole his position outright.
A lot of credit is owed to the veteran, though, who took the demotion mostly in stride and has remained a steady veteran mentor for Wemby on and off the court.
The respect, it seems, goes both ways.
"I hope to share the court with him for a long time, for years," Wembanyama told L'Equipe. "It's good. It's a step forward. We're working."
Behind Tony Parker, Gobert is the second-best French NBA player ever, and his defensive prowess gives him a very real case to own the top spot. However, both Parker and Gobert are placeholders, as Wembanyama is very clearly coming for the crown.
To Wemby, winning for France means everything. The 2027 FIBA World Cup will be a chance for him to show out, all before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. By then, Gobert will be 36 years old. He's never really had any major injuries, so he should still be in fine form to play for France, although the clock is ticking.
Between Wemby and Gobert, France has a formidable duo in the paint, and both are happy to step aside and let the other one go to work.
