Wembanyama Hosts 10 Spurs in France After 25.0 PPG Season

Victor Wembanyama is hosting eight to 10 San Antonio teammates for workouts in France following his unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year selection.

Victor Wembanyama is hosting eight to 10 San Antonio Spurs teammates in France this week for private workouts following the team's loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. The 2025-26 season saw Wembanyama become the first unanimous winner of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award while also earning first-team All-NBA honors. During this most recent campaign, the center appeared in 64 games and averaged career highs of 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest. This production followed a previous season where he was limited to 46 games due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Spurs CEO R.C. Buford confirmed the international training sessions during an appearance on the French YouTube show #TRASHTALK. While Buford did not identify every player in attendance, rising second-year guard Dylan Harper was confirmed as a participant. Harper was recently seen in front of the Eiffel Tower in video posted to the Spurs' official X account and participated alongside Wembanyama at the NBA Summer House at Palais Brongniart over the weekend.

Leadership and Offseason Development

Victor Wembanyama workouts in France represent a significant step in the leadership evolution of the 22-year-old, who joined San Antonio as a 19-year-old prospect. In his three NBA seasons, he has already secured two All-Star selections. Buford noted that it is rare for 10 players to fly halfway around the world for voluntary sessions, attributing the turnout to the respect and joy the big man brings to the organization. The CEO also highlighted the authentic connection Wembanyama maintains with head coach Mitch Johnson and general manager Brian Wright.

Beyond the team-wide sessions in France, Wembanyama has diversified his summer training. His offseason schedule included a workout with NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon and participation in sessions hosted by Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox. These efforts are part of a broader push to rebound from the franchise's recent Finals defeat.

Financial Milestones and Personal Values

In July, Wembanyama solidified his long-term future with the franchise by signing a five-year, $252 million rookie scale extension. Alongside this contract, he locked in a signature shoe deal with Nike. Despite the high-profile nature of these agreements, the signing of the extension took place at his grandfather's home rather than a large public event. Buford described the player as a unique human who prioritizes his family and body maintenance over public extravaganzas.

Roster Integration in Paris

The current trip marks Buford’s third visit to France since the beginning of July. The Spurs organization is viewing these workouts as a platform for growth, emphasizing Wembanyama's initiative in calling his teammates to join him abroad. The presence of Dylan Harper, a key piece of the Spurs' young core, underscores the focus on chemistry following their deep postseason run. The team remains focused on the example set by their star player's approach to professional preparation as they prepare for the upcoming season.