For hoop lovers around the USA, the 2024 Paris Olympics couldn’t have come at a better time to stave off the boredom in the NBA offseason. With all eyes firmly on Team USA, the fans are as demanding as they ever have been. But the demand is not only on the Pacific side of the globe. The host nation is also a strong contender to go all the way. And the French people have their hopes pinned on the young shoulders of Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs rookie has so far handled the massive expectations around him with poise. His dominance was on full display in the game against Brazil in the opening match for Les Bleus. Not only did Wembanyama prompt the Stade Pierre-Mauroy crowd to tear the roof off, but he also impressed a specific NBA legend who was on commentary duties for CNBC. The legend in question is none other than Dwyane Wade.

During France’s 78-66 win, Wade had the privilege of watching Victor Wembanyama up close for the first time. The Heat legend was not disappointed with the 7-footer and pointed out a key message for budding basketball players. “I mean, this guy is electrifying, and that’s not even a big enough word, for what he brings,” Wade said after the first half. “But what I love most about him, I mean, obviously, we’re gonna all look at the highlights and they’re gonna be incredible. But it’s the patience of this player and the patience to make sure that his teammates get involved and get into the game first. And he did the little things first. He did the little things early to get himself going, and then he took off.”

Things started slowly for the hosts, with Brazil taking a 23-15 lead in the first quarter. Seeing Maozinha Pereira postering Rudy Gobert surely did not ease the nerves of the Lillois and Lilloises in the crowd. But that soon changed when Wembanyama took over the game and steered his country over the line on his Olympics debut.

How did Victor Wembanyama perform on his Olympic debut?

Victor Wembanyama is just built differently. No, not just for his frame and mastery with a basketball in his hands. What sets him apart even more than an average player is his mentality. Wemby showed up on the court an hour early, alone. He warmed up as the seats started filling up with the expectant crowd to see his debut. And they got exactly what they were expecting from the NBA Rookie of the Year. Wemby scored 19 points on his Olympics debut with an impressive field goal percentage of 53%. He even recreated the famous dunk from Michael Jordan’s Space Jam movie by scoring over a heap of Brazil players.

Along with that, Wemby dished out 2 assists, grabbed 9 rebounds, stole the ball 4 times, and made 3 blocks. Wemby’s movement was something resembling the work of Édouard Manet hanging in the Louvre. So why wouldn’t Dwyane Wade be inspired? Why wouldn’t he emphasize Wemby’s key characteristics on the court? And definitely, that is something every future star of the game should absorb to reach the pinnacle of basketball glory.