Victor Wembanyama is perhaps the most hyped prospect ahead of an NBA Draft since LeBron James. The 7’5″ frontcourt player is being hailed as a unicorn by everyone, including Klay, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Advertisement
Much of the buzz around Wemby started when footage of his practice session with Rudy Gobert hit the internet. The ease with which the then-16-year-old was getting buckets against the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year befuddled everyone.
He was a whopping 7’3″ as a high school junior and is now even taller. Having already made his pro debut by that time, Wemby soon became the no. 1 draft pick in this upcoming 2023 draft on most analysts’ draft boards.
The way that Victor Wembanyama has performed this season in the LNB Pro A has only reinforced the hype. The 19-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game this season. All 3 of these marks are the best in France’s top league!
Victor Wembanyama receives rich praise from Stephen Curry, LeBron James
Sportscenter released a hype video for the incoming no. 1 draft pick this morning. This ESPN video features a montage of player quotes about Wemby’s future.
Klay: Gosh, he looks like someone who is kinda the product of what the new hooper is supposed to look like. I’ve seen him take one-foot runners from 3, blocking 6 shots, dunking everything.
LeBron James: He reminds me of a unicorn over the last few years. Like an alien.
Stephen Curry: He’s like the 2K Create-a-Player. Every point guard who wants to be 7 foot and shoot.
Victor Wembanyama has also been compared quite extensively to Kevin Durant, although he’s at least 6 inches taller. Wemby admitted that he’s derived much of his offensive toolkit by carefully observing KD’s gameplay.
Which team is likely to land Wemby?
The Houston Rockets finished with the NBA’s worst record for a 3rd straight season this year. They, along with the Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, have a 14% chance of landing the no. 1 overall pick.
While the Rockets already have a promising big man in Alperen Sengun, adding Wembanyama to the mix would undoubtedly make them a spooky team. Wemby has great shot-blocking instincts and seems to have the foot speed to guard perimeter players.
However, he’d definitely be a better fit at both Detroit and San Antonio. Learning from coach Pop at San Antonio, who also groomed Tim Duncan, could be a great draw. Playing alongside a pass-first star in Cade Cunningham should also be an enticing prospect.
However, if the Rockets do manage to land James Harden, they’d again become the best destination for the French teenager.
