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Wembanyama, last week's No. 1 pick by the San
Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft, announced his decision in an
interview with the French newspaper L'Equipe.
"It would not be realistic in terms of development and not
prudent in terms of health," Wembanyama told the newspaper. "I
hope people will understand. It's frustrating for me, too. The
France team is still central for me. I want to win as many
titles as possible with the team. But I think it's a necessary
sacrifice."
France is the reigning Olympic silver medalist that has an eye
on winning the World Cup in September. However, Wembanyama said
he's already looking at playing 170 games in a 24-month period,
between the NBA and the upcoming Olympics, a far higher load
than he's ever played.
Wembanyama, 19, said it was his decision, adding that the Spurs
would have supported his choice either way.
The World Cup runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, with games
happening in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
--Field Level Media
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