Victor Wembanyama took some time for a New York City pastime in the rain on Saturday.
The 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year stopped off at Washington Square Park to play chess after the Spurs’ two-game stint in the Big Apple this week.
At midnight on Saturday, Wembanyama, an avid chess player, asked his X followers where he should go to play his favorite hobby.
“What are the best spots to play chess in NYC ??” he wrote on the platform.
By the morning, Wembanyama was on site at the famous Greenwich Village park.
“Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote on X.
Within minutes, a crowd surrounded the French sensation as he sat across from a fellow chess player. A video posted by the NBA showed the Spurs’ big man playing at least two separate games on the rain-covered boards.
Wembanyama would later thank those who braved the elements to hang out.
“Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain,” he said on X.
He also broached the idea of other NBA players getting involved for a good cause.
“We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” Wembanyama wrote on X.
Wembanyama and the Spurs spent the week in New York City, going 1-1 in games against the Knicks and Nets.
On Christmas Day, Wembanyama put up 42 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks during a 117-114 loss to the Knicks.
At Barclays Center against the Nets on Friday night, Wembanyama had 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and six blocks during a 96-87 win.