Victor Wembanyama: An Inside Look at His NBA Journey

The author shares his perspective:

'From the immense hopes surrounding his arrival with the Spurs in 2023 to the thrilling 2026 NBA Finals, I had the privilege of closely observing Victor Wembanyama's remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of the world's most powerful basketball league. Three years spent by his side in San Antonio, navigating the highs of victory, immense expectations, and countless records, but also the anxiety of a young career that nearly ended prematurely due to a shoulder thrombosis in February 2025.
'Wemby,' as many who witnessed his American debut call him, opened up to me over time as a relationship of trust developed. His words, always carefully chosen, punctuate this narrative, highlighting his genius both on and off the court.
This is the chronicle, almost daily, that I present to you. Discover, behind the scenes, the player already shaping up to be one of our greatest contemporary champions.'

The book chronicles Victor Wembanyama's first three NBA seasons. The final season concluded in June 2026 with a loss in the Finals to the New York Knicks. During the regular season, the Spurs' center led them to a 62-20 record and was unanimously named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. In July, he signed a five-year, $252 million extension with San Antonio. In August, head coach Frédéric Fauthoux appointed him captain of the French national team. The Spurs are scheduled to play two regular-season games in Paris in January 2027.

Here's an excerpt from the book:

'When he's not reading in his free time, Victor Wembanyama enjoys drawing and playing chess. During a trip to New York for two games against the Knicks and Nets in late December 2024, the French player surprised everyone by showing up one morning in a city park to challenge strangers at the famous board game. 'Who wants to meet me at the southwest corner of Washington Square Park for a game of chess? I'm here,' he posted in real-time on his X account, drawing an ever-growing crowd by the minute. The 7'4" giant stayed for about an hour, in the rain, much to the delight of a few amateur players, with two wins and two losses. He then had to leave for his flight back to San Antonio. 'We need an NBA players-only chess tournament, with proceeds going to the winner's chosen charity,' he later posted. This further illustrates that he is a unique basketball player, far from the stereotype of a one-dimensional athlete with little curiosity about the world around him.'

"Wembanyama, Three Years at the Top of the NBA" by Maxime Aubin. 240 pages. Published by Solar and L'Équipe. Foreword by Rudy Gobert. Paperback: 19.90 euros. Release date: October 1st.