“19 Y/O Dwight Howard or Victor Wembanyama?”: Former NBA All-Star Chooses Between $55,174,766 Rookie and 2004 1st Pick

The NBA offseason has been ablaze with the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama, who clinched the coveted No. 1 draft pick, this year. He has stirred debates comparing him to legendary big men, all thanks to the prodigious talent he brings to the court. Among these debates, a recent one orchestrated by Richard Jefferson and Jameer Nelson has caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts. In this intriguing comparison, the spotlight shines on Wemby, the $55,174,766 rookie sensation, who signed a massive contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Also in the conversation is Dwight Howard, the 2004 first-overall pick who left an indelible mark on the league. The comparison was spawned during the latest episode of Road Trippin’ with Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Jameer Nelson, and Allie Clifton.

Notably, Jameer’s illustrious NBA career included an All-Star appearance and a stint as Dwight Howard’s teammate, during their time with the Orlando Magic. Who does he pick between the two, as rookies?

Richard Jefferson and Jameer Nelson make their picks

Delving into the heart of the matter, RJ posed a thought-provoking question:

“19 Y/O Dwight Howard or Victor Wembanyama?” asked Jefferson.

RJ wasted no time expressing his own stance. He aligned himself with those who would readily favor established giants like Shaquille O’Neal or Tim Duncan over the budding Wembanyama. 

“I’m just saying bro, I look, you can say today’s game or whatever, Shaq is on the board, you’re taking the big fella. Bro, in today’s game, if Tim Duncan’s on the board, you’re taking the big fella. So all I’m merely saying is, do people not realize what Dwight is? He’s one of the most forgotten basketball players; he is one of the most physically gifted humans that have ever walked the face of the planet. When I think of David and Goliath and they were giants, I think of Dwight Howard walking through the desert,” exclaimed Jefferson.

For RJ, the choice is clear: Dwight Howard takes precedence. Jameer Nelson chimed in, echoing RJ’s sentiment. In his view, Dwight’s prowess remains underrated. He further expressed surprise at Dwight’s omission from the NBA Top 75 list.  

“I don’t understand why Dwight and how he’s not a top 75 player all the time. We were in Orlando together; he was arguably number one or number two in terms of face of the league for a while, for a couple of years. Defensive Player of the Year, you can name all the accolades. For us as a team, we were always top one or two in the league, and that was a big part of it because of him. As a point guard, I’m going to get open shots because this dude’s going to get double-teamed every single play. Every play, I’m taking Dwight.”

He highlighted Dwight’s role as a defensive powerhouse and a driving force behind their team’s successes and clearly picked his former teammate. However, Dwight and Nelson do not share a very cordial history.

Jameer once had a falling out after Howard’s Lakers move

Notably, Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard’s history isn’t without its complexities. Nelson once criticized Howard following his trade from the Magic to the Lakers. This was in response to Dwight’s claims that the Orlando teams he played for were comprised of undesirable players. The statement rubbed Nelson the wrong way, who responded by saying:

“At some point, when are you [Dwight] going to, as a man, take ownership and stay out of the media in a professional manner?” 

Additionally, Nelson’s sentiments were hurt after Dwight’s comments. However, his feelings for Dwight did not change his objectivity. He clearly chose Howard over Wembanyama.