Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017, the San Antonio Spurs’ deep playoff run means Victor Wembanyama will be unavailable for France’s two World Cup qualifying games in July. The Spurs secured their spot by defeating Minnesota 139-109 in Game 6.
While Wembanyama’s offensive output was contained to 19 points in 27 minutes, he remained a defensive force in the paint with 3 blocks and actively joined the Spurs in transition whenever opportunities arose.
“For now, I’m not even thinking about it,” Wembanyama stated regarding the upcoming series against OKC. “I’m focused on my recovery. I just want this press conference to end. We’ll see in the coming days.”
Confirmation of his absence comes from France’s coach, Frédéric Fauthoux, who mentioned on RMC’s Moscato Show that if the Spurs advanced to the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama would miss the first World Cup qualifier window. This will be against Belgium on July 3rd and Finland on July 6th.
However, French basketball fans need not worry. The national team boasts significant talent at the center position, with players like Alexandre Sarr, Maxime Raynaud, Mathias Lessort, and potentially Rudy Gobert (who is now a free agent) and Moussa Diabaté. Wembanyama is expected to rejoin the squad for the second qualifying window in late August, which includes a game at the Accor Arena in Paris.
