Height, speed, vertical leap, dribbling skills… Victor Wembanyama seems almost like a “video game character disconnected from reality.” As the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the 7’4″ (2.25 meters) French giant is making waves in the NBA. At just 19 years old, “Wemby” is considered the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs’ future. With so much hype surrounding him, what can we expect from the league’s top prospect, who will officially make his debut in the regular season this Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks?
A Complete Player:
One of the remarkable features of Wembanyama is his stepback, a move that requires agility and quick footwork, which is impressive given his extraordinary height of 7’4″. He is significantly taller than renowned players known for this move, such as James Harden (6’5″), Kemba Walker (6’0″), Kyrie Irving (6’2″), and Stephen Curry (6’2″).
Pedro Maia, a Sportv commentator, describes Wembanyama as the most hyped prospect in NBA history due to the combination of his physical abilities and impressive technical skills. He has excellent ball control and agility, despite his towering stature.
Dominating on Defense:
In addition to his imposing physical presence, Wembanyama promises to be a defensive force, especially in the paint. Playing for Metropolitans 92 in France, he averaged ten rebounds per game. He not only earned MVP honors for the French team but also clinched awards for leading scorer, best defender, and best young player, in addition to being selected to the league’s All-Star team.
Path to Improvement:
It’s important to note that, at 19 years old, Wembanyama still has much room for improvement. His lack of physical strength is a concern, considering his 107 kilograms, and there are doubts about whether he has enough muscle to compete against stronger NBA players. However, this issue can be addressed and overcome, as exemplified by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, in 2013, stood at 6’9″ and weighed only 196 pounds (89 kilograms). Ten years later, he is one of the NBA’s premier stars, measuring 6’11” and weighing 242 pounds (110 kilograms), showcasing that physical development is achievable.
Training with a Master:
At the San Antonio Spurs, Wemby will have the opportunity to be coached by none other than Gregg Popovich, a basketball legend and one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. This collaboration promises to be remarkable, and Pedro Maia finds it daunting to imagine the potential of a player with so much talent being mentored by one of the best coaches in NBA history.
The Spurs’ Challenge:
While the Spurs have enjoyed past success, in recent years, the team has faced difficulties in the NBA, not making the playoffs since the 2018-2019 season. However, they secured a high draft position in 2023, which allowed them to select Wembanyama as the first overall pick. This parallels what happened in 1997 when they chose Tim Duncan and saw their history marked by that successful selection.
Performance of Recent First Picks:
In the last ten NBA seasons, only three of the last ten players chosen as the first overall pick in the Draft have won the Rookie of the Year award. Furthermore, Andrew Wiggins, chosen in 2022, is the only one among the last ten first picks to have won an NBA championship. Therefore, Wembanyama’s success in the league will depend on his continued development and the support he receives from the Spurs.
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