Wembanyama: I won’t cry on LeBron’s retirement day; my Spurs teammates aren’t ready for Shaolin Temple yet

On February 15th Beijing time, during the NBA All-Star media session, Spurs star Wembanyama was interviewed. When asked if he would cry on LeBron’s retirement day, Wembanyama said he wouldn’t cry but would find it very strange. Below is the full interview transcript—

Question: Fox making the All-Star team, is it more like “better late than never,” or did you originally think you should have had at least two players selected?

Wembanyama: I definitely hoped we could have two players, and I believe we deserved it. Most people think so too. But regardless, I’m genuinely happy for him. I also hope he enjoys these few days of rest.

Question: You are seen as one of the future faces of the league. LeBron has held that role for the past 20 years. What have you learned from him? What aspects of how he has represented the NBA do you want to carry forward?

Wembanyama: I think LeBron is incredibly smart in these areas. He’s been the league’s face for 20 years with almost no public relations mistakes. That takes a lot of wisdom. There’s so much to learn from him. I haven’t had the chance to talk with him closely yet, but I really hope to. There are millions of basketball players worldwide, and everyone can learn something from LeBron.

Question: You previously said you want the All-Star game to regain its competitive intensity. How do you think you can get your World Team teammates to bring that same energy?

Wembanyama: I believe once someone shows high-quality play, takes the game seriously, and shares the ball energetically, that vibe spreads. When you pass on energy, others feel responsible to return it. I’m confident about how the game will unfold.

Question: If you were to teach a basketball masterclass, which skill would you focus on?

Wembanyama: I’d teach shot-blocking. I think regardless of height, players at any level can improve in this area.

Question: Speaking of competitiveness, do you think the USA vs. World format really raises the intensity of the game?

Wembanyama: I think there’s definitely a chance. The reason is simple: more and more top players in the league are international. Both international players and Americans have pride, which is natural. Anything approaching “representing your country” reignites that sense of pride.

Question: LeBron has been playing in the NBA since you were born. Honestly, will you cry on the day he retires?

Wembanyama: (laughs) No. To be honest, I won’t cry, but it will definitely feel very strange.

Question: Are you chasing greatness, or creating an unprecedented legacy?

Wembanyama: Chasing greatness is subjective. I’m definitely pursuing my own kind of greatness. Every day I push myself out of my comfort zone to do difficult things. To me, the first step toward greatness is always: focus on the present. Don’t think 20 years ahead; just aim to be your best in the next moment, the next game, the next 24 hours. So yes, you could say I’m chasing greatness.

Question: You spent some time with Shaolin monks this summer. How has that experience affected your season? Has it inspired your teammates to try it too?

Wembanyama: It did spark some interest among teammates, but most aren’t ready to overcome their fears yet, so they haven’t joined. But the experience has definitely brought many changes.

First, the physical training was the most intense my body has ever faced, forcing it out of its comfort zone and to adapt. Of course, the life experience—meditation and immersing in a different culture—was amazing.

Question: What do you think about your teammate David Jones-Garcia making the Rookie Challenge?

Wembanyama: He absolutely deserves it. He’s a unique player, truly passionate about basketball, and one of the easiest people to get along with. When we heard he was out for the season, we were all very sad because he loves the game so much.

Question: Do you feel like you are redefining the center position, or is the position itself evolving?

Wembanyama: I think I’m part of it, a piece of the bigger picture. It’s an era of skillful big men, and the position is definitely evolving. Am I a product of this era? Yes, because I’ve watched these players grow and been inspired by them. Have I helped push this change? I believe so. I’m broadening the boundaries in some way. So yes, you could say I’m a product of this era.

Question: As a number one pick and team cornerstone, what’s it like dealing with this pressure every day?

Wembanyama: It depends on the environment. In the Spurs organization and this city, from day one, I’ve been treated like someone who’s been here for 20 years. The fans in San Antonio make me feel no pressure—they treat me like family, which is very comforting. In other cities, we might face more distractions, but at home, people know where we live and go but still respect our privacy and don’t bother us.

So being the core and the top pick doesn’t feel like pressure. It’s something I’m proud of, something I’ve spent 19 years pursuing. I’m willing to accept all of it and everything that comes with it.

Question: Young fans think you play freely on the court, but they don’t realize you operate within a coach’s system in the NBA. Can you explain how difficult it is to play at this level and within that system?

Wembanyama: To me, this is actually one of the hardest things I’ve faced since entering the league. When a team has ambitions, you have to take responsibility, follow scouting reports, and stick to the coach’s system—that’s fine. The difficulty is doing this three to four times a week, while dealing with injuries and fatigue, and facing opponents who try hard to stop you. So I think consistently executing scouting reports and tactics every night is one of the toughest challenges.