SAN ANTONIO — All NBA rookies have their adjustment to entering the league.
It can be adjusting to the grind of the packed schedule, facing top basketball talent from across the globe, and the constant travel.
It also means facing moments or going up against certain players, leaving rookies in awe.
And that was the case for San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
Despite being the one who usually leaves opponents in awe of his abilities on the court, the 20-year-old center admitted he experienced his "welcome to the NBA" moment having to face Suns' Kevin Durant.
"The earliest one I can remember is Kevin Durant was pretty tough to guard. Even though sometimes it feels like you've done your best and he still scores," he said.
Durant is an offensive juggernaut, and one can understand why Wemby would pick him for his rookie moment.
Notably, the Spurs rookie was getting comparisons to Durant heading into the NBA. Both are 7-footers who can handle the ball, create their looks from all over the floor, and shoot from range. Wemby also says he watched and tried to mimic Durant's play growing up in France.
And Wembanyama put on a show against Durant's Suns on Nov. 3 in Phoenix with a 35-plus point explosion.
Durant does appreciate the comparisons Wemby receives to his style of play but he believes that he'll carve out his path in the league.
"I'm sure he said he watched me growing up, but he's his own player," said Durant. "I'm sure he watched so many great players in the league and try to emulate. It's about everybody. You could tell in his enthusiasm for the game. He's his own player person."
Wembanyama will get another chance to go up against Durant on March 23 in San Antonio.