Every Monday marks the perfect moment to reflect on French basketball talent in the NBA. This week, Victor Wembanyama continued his dominant performance, while Maxime Raynaud solidified his standing as a potential Rookie of the Year.
Victor Wembanyama Stands Above the Rest
In four games, Wembanyama has made a substantial impact, showcasing his ability to control the pace of any match. Even in what many would consider a subpar performance, he still managed to tally 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals. In contrast, his standout games included impressive performances of 38 points against the Detroit Pistons, 27 against the Los Angeles Clippers, and 29 against the Houston Rockets.
When Wembanyama garners attention from veterans like Jaylen Brown and Nikola Jokić—two NBA champions and Finals MVPs—it signals that he is creating waves in the league.
- Weekly Review (4 games): 26 points at 55.6% shooting, 44% from three-point range, 82.1% free throws, 10.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 4.8 blocks, and 1.5 steals.
- Best Game vs Pistons: 38 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks in 39 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs 76ers: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals in 24 minutes.
Maxime Raynaud Continues to Rise
Raynaud has been steadily improving his play. He demonstrated a solid performance against the Phoenix Suns, showed resilience in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, and then delivered a standout game against the Chicago Bulls. His consistency near the basket has become increasingly evident.
- Weekly Review (3 games): 19.3 points at 61% shooting, 88.9% free throws, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal.
- Best Game vs Bulls: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal in 38 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Pelicans: 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 26 minutes.
Rudy Gobert Maintains His Consistency
Rudy Gobert has continued to perform at a high level, contributing solidly in rebounds and defense. This week was unflashy yet effective, highlighted by a comprehensive performance against the Toronto Raptors.
- Weekly Review (3 games): 11.7 points at 87.5% shooting, 46.7% free throws, 10.7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1 steal.
- Best Game vs Raptors: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal in 35 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Grizzlies: 5 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 assist in 26 minutes.
Guerschon Yabusele and Bilal Coulibaly: Mixed Performances
Yabusele has had an up-and-down week, starting strong against the Oklahoma City Thunder before struggling against the Sacramento Kings. Coulibaly delivered a season-high of 23 points against the Rockets, showcasing his potential before reverting to quieter performances.
- Weekly Review for Yabusele (3 games): 12.7 points at 40% shooting, 42.1% from three-point range, 40% free throws, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.3 steals.
- Best Game vs Thunder: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 29 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Kings: 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 22 minutes.
- Weekly Review for Coulibaly (4 games): 12.8 points at 40% shooting, 33.3% from three-point range, 50% free throws, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1 steal.
- Best Game vs Rockets: 23 points, 1 rebound, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in 27 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Pelicans: 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in 24 minutes.
Ousmane Dieng and Moussa Diabaté: Two Different Paths
Dieng showcased versatility with a near triple-double, while Diabaté remained consistent in his contributions with rebounds and defensive plays.
- Dieng’s Weekly Review (4 games): 10 points at 41% shooting, 36.4% from three-point range, 4.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.3 steals.
- Best Game vs Jazz: 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in 32 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Magic: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 25 minutes.
- Diabaté’s Weekly Review (3 games): 5.7 points at 42.9% shooting, 83.3% free throws, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 0.7 steals.
- Best Game vs Celtics: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 29 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Suns: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks in 27 minutes.
Positive Developments for Nolan Traoré and Zaccharie Risacher
Traoré experienced a mix of scoring and playmaking while Risacher stood out defensively, showcasing effective shooting from distance.
- Weekly Review for Traoré (3 games): 8.3 points at 38.5% shooting, 50% from three-point range, 100% free throws, 2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.3 steals.
- Best Game vs Heat: 14 points and 2 rebounds in 23 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Pistons: 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 interception, and 1 block in 15 minutes.
- Weekly Review for Risacher (2 games): 10 points at 50% shooting, 54.5% from three-point range, 4.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.5 blocks, and 2 interceptions.
- Best Game vs Bucks: 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 interception in 21 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs 76ers: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 interceptions, and 1 block in 22 minutes.
The French Knicks Make Their Mark
Mohamed Diawara has consistently seized opportunities, displaying efficient shooting throughout the week. Pacôme Dadiet managed to shine in his only game, achieving a career-high with 11 points against the Denver Nuggets.
- Weekly Review for Diawara (4 games): 6.3 points at 50% shooting, 41.7% from three-point range, 100% free throws, 1.5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 0.3 steals.
- Best Game vs Thunder: 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 interception in 13 minutes.
- Least Impressive Performance vs Lakers: 4 points and 2 assists in 15 minutes.
- Weekly Review for Dadiet (1 game): 11 points at 80% shooting, 100% from three-point range, 2 rebounds in 9 minutes.
- Only Game of the Week vs Nuggets: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 4/5 shooting, and 3/3 from long range in 9 minutes.
Special Situations
- Alex Sarr returned on Sunday against New Orleans after a 10-game absence due to a right hamstring injury, playing 18 minutes and finishing with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block.
- Rayan Rupert did not play this week but secured a two-way contract with Memphis after his 10-day contract.
- Killian Hayes managed to secure a second 10-day contract with the Kings.
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