Victor Wembanyama has said he wants his off-court career to promote healthy habits rather than vices such as gambling and alcohol, in a wide-ranging sit-down with CBS News' '60 Minutes' broadcast on Sunday.
According to CBS Sports, the San Antonio Spurs star told the programme that leading NBA players are free to shape their careers as they wish. Some choose to become influencers or philanthropists, while others put their names to gambling and alcohol. Wembanyama said his own position is still evolving because he is still maturing as a person, but added: "I want to promote healthy things." He has previously ruled out working with soda companies for similar reasons.
The Frenchman also reflected on his reputation during last season's playoffs. He won admirers for his performances against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but hard fouls against the Minnesota Timberwolves and then the New York Knicks saw many fans turn against him. He said the episode exposed his limits and that winning requires playing basketball rather than roughing up opponents.
CBS Sports noted that a Game 5 foul on Jalen Brunson was widely argued to be flagrant, but the Knicks closed out the series that night, so the league never reviewed it. Wembanyama had been one flagrant foul point from a suspension had there been a Game 6.
On his preference for going barefoot and wearing minimalist shoes, he explained that big men have long suffered foot problems and that strong feet support good posture through the knees, hips and back. He has not missed a game so far this season.
Discussing more than three years in the United States, Wembanyama said he does not live a typical American life. He praised the country for never judging ambition but felt social interactions there are shallower than elsewhere.
He also recalled the humility taught by Gregg Popovich, who has since retired after suffering a stroke, including the idea that teams are seldom as good after a win, or as bad after a loss, as they believe.
The Spurs, beaten by the Knicks in the Finals, have won four in a row after losing their opening two games and are now regarded as championship favourites following injuries at the Thunder.