Victor Wembanyama: Can handle balls of any size. Photo: keystone
Before the NBA draft (on Friday night at 2 a.m.) all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman is considered the greatest talent of the last 20 years. Now he should continue his success story in the NBA.
22.06.2023, 14:1122.06.2023, 14:46
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The NBA is undergoing a change. A change that many die-hard fans of the best basketball league in the world should not necessarily like. Because the Europeans are gradually conquering the NBA. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, the current NBA champion Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, three Europeans are among the best players in the league. Gone are the days when players from Europe were smiled at. And now, with Victor Wembanyama, the next exceptional talent from Europe is coming along.
The Frenchman is considered the greatest talent since mega-star LeBron James was drafted in 2003. The 2.21 meter tall center has everything that makes a modern “big man”. Since Zion Williamson’s draft in 2019, the experts have not agreed in advance which player will be selected first in the draft. Lebron James describes Wembanyama as an “alien” or as a “generational talent”. Kevin Durant said the NBA is “really in jeopardy” if the center gets into the league.
With the San Antonio Spurs, a franchise that is well versed in the development of great talent received the first pick in the draft lottery. Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan, both also drafted first by the Spurs, made their mark on the league from the start. Wembanyama’s compatriot Tony Parker also became one of the league’s top point guards in San Antonio.
Tim Duncan (left) and David Robinson (right) at All-Star Weekend 2008 in New Orleans.Photo: Getty Images North America
Due to Spurs’ successful past, the 19-year-old was particularly pleased that they won the draft lottery. “If I had to pick a franchise to get the first pick, it would have been the San Antonio Spur,” he said on ex-NBA player JJ Redick’s podcast.
At the Spurs, the Frenchman will meet Gregg Popovich, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Popovich already made Duncan and Parker superstars and Wembanyama could be next. Ex-NBA star Dwayne Wade confirms that the 74-year-old is considered a promoter of young talent like no other. “Coach Pop does an amazing job, he can make grown men out of young men.” Tony Parker said of his ex-coach “I loved playing for pop.” One of the great skills of the top coach is to constantly develop his game, otherwise it would have been impossible for him to work successfully in the NBA for such a long time.
But regardless of his future coach, it will be difficult to stop the young Frenchman. He brings a similar skill set to Nikola Jokic, but is still 10 centimeters taller than the Serb. Wembanyama combines the ball handling of a Tony Parker and the span and athleticism of Tim Duncan. He has the qualities to become a player who should be as difficult to defend as Shaquille O’Neal before him or, more recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Some highlights from Victor Wembanyama. Video: YouTube/NBA
In any case, Wembanyama himself is not afraid of the NBA. “No one’s going to stop me from dribbling the ball, moving the ball forward and shooting 3-pointers. Nobody will stop me from doing that,” he told ESPN. At a press conference before the draft, the player, who is currently still under contract with the Parisian club Levallois Metropolitans, said “I’m trying to be the best.” The 19-year-old is confident in himself and his abilities and also knows that he doesn’t need to hide on the field.
“Wemby” should be the hope of the San Antonio Spurs from the coming season. The franchise has failed to qualify for the playoffs for four years in a row. With Wembanyama, this should change as soon as possible in the coming season. The Frenchman agrees, «I want to learn to win as quickly as possible. I don’t want to waste any time.”
Victor Wembanyama says he expects to win 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year and isn’t sure yet whether Spurs will manage his minutes: “I want to learn how to win as quick as possible. I’ve got no time to lose.” pic.twitter.com/bQWqWWmuQ4
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 21, 2023
Time will tell whether Wembenyama will later be mentioned in a row with LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson. But one thing should be clear even before the draft, there shouldn’t have been a player in the last 20 years who would have had better prospects of being able to get involved in the NBA’s GOAT debate in a few years than the 19-year-old Frenchman .
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