The Indiana Pacers are in Paris this week to play two games against the San Antonio Spurs. We know why the Spurs are playing in Paris: Victor Wembanyama. But why the Pacers? Well, look at a map of Indiana.
Spurs, Pacers make their way to Paris
Wembanyama unveiled a gift of sorts to his hometown and the next generation on Tuesday, a pair of outdoor courts — one for 5-on-5 play, the other for 3-on-3 play — that were built to the specifications that he wanted and sketched out himself.
Wembanyama was born and raised in Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, a western Paris suburb, and has made it a focus this week to introduce his teammates to Parisian culture and the life he led before he became the NBA Rookie of the Year and likely next face of the league.
The trip is a homecoming for the Spurs' biggest star, and Victor Wembanyama unveiled two basketball courts in his hometown of Le Chesnay (a suburb just 10 miles from the heart of Paris) on Tuesday. Wembanyama was in attendance for the unveiling of the courts,
Victor Wembanyama gives back to the youth, debuts two new basketball courts in his hometown ahead of Spurs' Paris games.
The San Antonio Spurs will play two games against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday and Sunday, but both games will be held in Paris, France. While the Pacers boast some stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, it's safe to say that the entire city, country, and basketball world will only have eyes on Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama unveiled a pair of outdoor courts on Tuesday in his hometown of Le Chesnay, France.
Victor Wembanyama debuted a pair of outdoor basketball courts in his hometown of Le Chesnay, France ahead of San Antonio's European swing.
Wembanyama is a special talent, and before the whole world knew who he was, he was a kid from Le Chesnay in the Paris region. That is where he grew to love the game of basketball. As he and his team get ready to play a two-game series in his home country against the Indiana Pacers, he was honored with a special basketball court in his hometown.
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are in Paris to play two NBA games against the Indiana Pacers, one on Thursday and one on Saturday. It is a homecoming for the 7-foot-4 Frenchman, who has not played a competitive game in his home country since France lost the gold medal game to the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games.
In France, basketball is rapidly growing, and as the NBA looks to capitalize on that, they sent the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers to Paris to play a series of two games this week. While Accor Arena would likely be sold out anyway, the draw of Victor Wembanyama has been enough for the entire City of Lights to be abuzz with excitement.