Victor Wembanyama has been spotted working out only once since his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis, doing so in Dallas alongside fellow Frenchman Maxime Raynaud.
"I'm able to do hard work, hard lifting," Wembanyama explained about his current condition. "It's all very controlled and light. Sometimes, I feel like I'd like to do more... but it's logical, medial direction, so I trust the process."
The two French athletes share more than just a workout session. They've played chess together, discussed basketball, and occasionally exchange Instagram Reels. Their connection dates back several years, as Raynaud revealed.
"I've known Victor since we were probably 14, 15 years old," Raynaud told the San Francisco Chronicle. "For as long as I can remember, everyone knew Victor would be France's next great player. It was just obvious."
While Wembanyama's star status has attracted French media to San Antonio as he adapts to American life, Raynaud is still working to establish himself at the highest level.
Interestingly, Raynaud's college credentials are quite impressive. The Stanford Cardinal senior averaged a 20-point double-double across nearly 40 appearances. At the NBA Combine, he measured 7-feet without shoes, weighed 237 pounds, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach.
The big question hanging over Raynaud is whether his ACC success will translate to the professional level. And if it does, would he be worth the "Spurs" using a lottery pick to acquire him?
Could this French connection lead to the two childhood acquaintances becoming teammates in San Antonio? The coming draft will tell.
