Victor Wembanyama's much-anticipated NBA Summer League debut was a bit of a mixed bag.
While the Spurs rookie flashed at times with his playmaking skills and shot-blocking ability, he also endured his share of struggles during the contest. Most notably, he generated just nine points on 2-of-13 shooting to go along with eight rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
He also had what ESPN announcer Doris Burke referred to as Wembanyama's "welcome to the NBA" moment.
MORE: Best highlights, stats from Victor Wembanyama's Summer League debut
Midway through the third quarter, Wembanyama attempted to defend a pick-and-roll involving Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. and center Kai Jones. The No. 1 pick got caught between the two and Smith lofted a pass over him to Jones for an alley-oop opportunity.
Wembanyama tried to rotate back and get a hand on the shot of the third-year pro, but it was too late. Jones was able to throw down a thunderous dunk over the 7-5 center.
KAI JONES HAS OTHERWORLDLY BOUNCE 🤯#NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/p1Ij0INwkc
— NBA (@NBA) July 8, 2023
Hornets’ Kai Jones dunks on Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com/Pe1X67Imr4
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 8, 2023
Of course, it's worth noting that Wembanyama was effectively asked to guard both Jones and Smith during the ball after Smith got past Julian Champagnie. As such, it wasn't exactly a forgiving spot for the French phenom, and one could make the case that he deserves credit for his effort.
IRVING: Wembanyama experiences highs and lows in first Summer League action
Still, that didn't stop Jones from getting excited about his highlight-reel play. Nor did it stop NBA fans from cracking jokes at Wembanyama's expense.
Spurs fans after that Kai Jones dunk... pic.twitter.com/6WBD46TtnH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 8, 2023
Going to start working on "An oral history of Kai Jones' dunk on Wembanyama" now for release in 10 years from this very date pic.twitter.com/JD7znObN0P
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) July 8, 2023
“That was for Britney, bi***”
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) July 8, 2023
-Kai Jones dunk on Wemby 😳 pic.twitter.com/EWJIKxKB0Z
“KAI JONES WITH NO REGARD FOR VICTOR WEMBANYAMA’S LIFE!” - Kevin Harlan, probably.
— Jack Benjamin (@JackBenjaminPxP) July 8, 2023
It took Wemby one summer league game to get posterized. My goodness.
pic.twitter.com/U8miAHw4co
Kai Jones welcoming Wemby:
— Danny Armstrong (@DArmstrong44) July 8, 2023
pic.twitter.com/rN782gn2L8
Kai Jones right now pic.twitter.com/AX0MdSEFBl
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) July 8, 2023
Even so, Wembanyama didn't seem phased after his first action with the Spurs. And he remains confident that he will only get better as he adapts to the NBA and improves his conditioning.
"Honestly, I didn't really know what I was doing on the court tonight," Wembanyama told reporters after the game, "but I'm trying to learn for the next games and the important (thing) is to be ready for the season."
NOH: A firsthand look at Victor Wembanyama's up-and-down summer league debut
Wembanyama will get a chance to improve on his first outing when the Spurs take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.