West Notes: Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Blazers, John Wall, Jazz

Spurs

No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama was considerably more impactful in his second game at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, bouncing back from a 2-of-13 shooting performance in his debut. 

In the second game, Wembanyama recorded 27 points and 12 rebounds.

“It was just me getting comfortable with myself, my body and the court because before today I had like two practices and one game,” he said, via Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “I was just getting going.”

Spurs assistant Matt Nielsen, who is coaching the summer squad, echoed the 7-foot-4 prodigy.

“It was just him getting comfortable,” Nielsen said, via Orsborn. “He’s a skillful basketball player who was working it out.”

• Spurs power forward Jeremy Sochan, for one, is already impressed with Wembanyama. “We’re going to have a lot of fun this season,” Sochan told Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports. “I can’t wait to play with him. He’s so long, it’s crazy.”

Trail Blazers

Another former No. 1 overall pick, point guard John Wall, held a private workout for five teams on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Trail Blazers and Celtics were among the teams represented, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Wall, 32, averaged 11.4 points with the Clippers last season. He was traded to the Rockets in February, then immediately waived. He hasn’t played in the NBA since.

• The Trail Blazers are still figuring out what to do about point guard Damian Lillard, who reportedly has requested a trade to the Heat. But as we relayed here, Blazers GM Joe Cronin may take his sweet time in trying to make a deal and is seeking lots in return.

Jazz

Newcomer John Collins, acquired in a trade with the Hawks, has been on the trade-rumor mill since last summer. He suggested he’s glad to have left that in the dust.

“Obviously, you know, my name has been in a lot of rumors and whatnot, and it hasn’t been easy,” he said, via Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune. “So it’s just been good to finally get it over with and, obviously, start anew in Utah.”

• Collins added he is just thankful for the new opportunity. “I’m really not trying to think about it too much, and just go for it and try to be the best player I can,” he said.
• In case you missed it, the Jazz won’t be landing 76ers forward/center Paul Reed despite signing him to an offer sheet. We have that full story here.