Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN regarded the 18-year-old Frenchman Victor Wembanyama as the “single greatest prospect in the history of the NBA.” However, Victor has just played two games on American soil this week. Meanwhile, Woj is not the only one who has praised the 7-foot-4 youngster’s transformational potential, as everyone is hailing him for his remarkable skills. Moreover, from LeBron James to Chris Paul to the 200 NBA personnel who witnessed him scoring 73 points in two games versus the G League Ignite in Las Vegas.
“He’s more like an alien, he’s for sure a generational talent,” LeBron James said while watching Wembanyama on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, has advised the NBA teams to avoid going all-in for Wembanyama, but this certainly won’t stop them. However, after witnessing the Frenchman’s 36 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in a game. Moreover, they saw him smack knees with predicted No. 2 selection Scoot Henderson, who was forced to leave the game. Meanwhile, one NBA official stated, “Yes, they are [going to tank].”
Woj said on air that “The impact he’s going to have on the NBA this season is dramatic as one GM told me the other day, we are going to see a race to the bottom like you’ve never seen before in the NBA.”
Meanwhile, teams will attempt to position themselves so they may select Wembanyama or use the second choice to select Scoot Henderson. Henderson, who has been compared to Ja Morant and a young Derrick Rose, should be selected first overall, according to his agent, Steve Haney.
How much Wembanyama can Add to the Franchise?
Woj added, “One team president said drafting Wembanyama might add as much as $500 million to the value of your franchise. At 7-foot-4, 7-5 in shoes. He is so advanced in skill wise there has just never been anyone like him.
“The level of tanking that we may see in the NBA this year as many try to get in position, I think it might impact the trade deadline as teams just don’t want to be in a position to be winning. That has an impact on contenders.”
Who is the Closest Comparison of Wembanyama?
However, the Nets’ superstar Kevin Durant might be the closest comparison to the French prodigy. Meanwhile, Wembanyama is recorded as weighing 209 pounds, but Durant, roughly 4 inches shorter, is described as weighing 240.
“I honestly believe that when he does come to the NBA and establishes himself, he will play similar to the way that Kevin Durant plays, where he can catch the ball in the short post and post up at the same time, but more so a face-up guy, not trying to worry about trying to back guys down,” Cory Alexander said during the broadcast.
“The way he shoots the basketball and handles the basketball makes him a dangerous force.”
“Kevin Durant has put on weight since he’s been in the NBA, but he’s been in the league forever.”
“[Wembanyama] can be effective in the NBA at the size he is now. Of course, getting stronger only helps. But it’s going to be about the style of play he plays.”
Wembanyama is a Gym Rat
Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s agent, Bouna Ndiaye, said on Thursday’s episode of ESPN that specific NBA figures have advised him to stop playing the Frenchman to protect his draft prospects and prevent injury. However, he has no intentions to do so since the youngster is a gym rat, a competitor, and loves to play.
“Even if I wish and advise him to sit, he will not sit because he’s here to compete, he’s here to experience these games, and he’s here to learn and progress,” he said. “Victor is a competitor, so when there is a basketball game, and you tell him not to go, he will go.”
What NBA Team Will Wembanyama be Playing for?
Meanwhile, all those teams predicted to win less than 25 games are anticipated to run for him, including the Pacers, Spurs, Rockets, Jazz, and Thunder.
Woj said, “Victor Wembanyama is going to really impact the league before he ever plays a minute in it.”
Moreover, Wembanyama also hopes to make a big difference after his landing.
“My goal is to be like something you’ve never seen,” Wembanyama said.
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