Victor Wembanyama faces his first NBA Finals with the San Antonio Spurs aware of the franchise's historic weight, but unbothered by outside noise. The French star discussed the team's legacy, Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan's influence, the challenge against the New York Knicks, and the need to stay grounded after their playoff run: "We haven't done the hardest part yet."
Q. Victor, you mentioned the Larry O'Brien Trophy the other night. How old were you when you first became aware of it, and why did it become so important to you? On a broader note, what made you fall in love with basketball?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: Falling in love with basketball happened very early in my life. I mean, I have photos of myself with a basketball at an age where I wasn't even old enough to have memories. The Larry O'Brien, I don't remember. It goes back too far. Basketball has been present in my life for a very long time. But I suppose all kids love trophies and medals.
Q. You saw the five banners the first time you walked in here. You have a connection with Pop, with Tim [Duncan], with all the players from the past. How do you find the balance between connecting with that and wanting to start something new?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: That's an interesting question. They're really putting us in the best possible context to do that. So it's not an effort I have to make, because all those guys you mentioned are here. I mean, it's like they're carrying us, you know? They're guiding us in the right direction.
Q. You've played the Knicks three times this year. What do you think about the matchup heading into this NBA Finals series against them?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: They're a great team, you know? It's a great team of experienced players who aren't here by accident, but through relentless effort over years. Very different professional trajectories for all of them. They're exactly where they should be, in my opinion. Everyone is going to have tremendous hunger, each in their own way.
Q. You're going to play in front of a massive audience. How do you feel knowing that much of the world will be watching the series? How does that spotlight motivate you, and how can you feel comfortable under it?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: It doesn't motivate me. At the end of the day, only 20,000 people fit in the arena. It doesn't really make a difference.
Q. Going back to the other night, did you get a chance to have your conversation with Pop? There was so much emotion after the game. How was the process for you of coming down from all that, refocusing, and concentrating fully on this?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: To your first question, yes, of course, I saw Pop right away when we landed. The emotion was really something I hadn't felt in a long time. I don't even know how long. Coming down from all this is a challenge. We haven't managed it yet. We still have to really come back down to earth and realize that we haven't done the hardest part yet. The work is far from done. So we still have, I don't know, what time is it?, more than 30 hours to refocus.
Q. We know that for years you've done very specific training, paying close attention to your nutrition since childhood, working on your stability and mobility. This summer you also dedicated time to working on the mental side of the game. Can you tell us how important these small things are in reaching the NBA Finals?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: I'd say linking those things directly to the NBA Finals would be a shortcut. The details are what make the difference. That's what I'd say. It's more important in an individual's career because from eating the right thing at the right time to reaching the NBA Finals there are many, many steps in between.
Q. You've had a unique involvement and a unique vision for the Jackals. What do you think about the way that group has made your vision a reality?
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA: With enormous effort and results. They dominated on the road, Game 7. I mean, I've known for years that the Spurs community had that strength within. Now, to finally see it channeled into something organized and efficient, effective, is a great joy.