Victor Wembanyama is the most hyped NBA rookie in the 2023 preseason games who is yet to make an NBA debut. The buzz surrounding Wembanyama has beeen going on for a long time now, even before the Spurs made him their no. 1 pick. The French giant has been tipped to succeed LeBron James as the golden boy of the next generation of players in the NBA.
Wembanyama’s talent has attracted applause from great legends and analysts of the game. It seems his first few preseason games were enough to attract praise from a former Finals MVP who sees his skills in Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo amid Dillon Brooks’ pessimistic observation about Wembanyama.
Wembanyama draws high praise from Paul Pierce
NBA legend Paul Pierce has created significant buzz around Victor Wembanyama, comparing his skills to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Wembanyama’s exceptional performance during the 2023 preseason has captivated the entire NBA community including the retired legend, dispelling concerns about his slim build.
Pierce closely monitored Wembanyama throughout the 2023 preseason and identified him as a top 5 player in a ‘KG Certified’ podcast appearance. Paul said, “He looking like a cross between Giannis and KD.”
“Right now, today, Wemby is one of the top five skilled players in the NBA. I said it right now. You can do what KD do, you can do what Antetokounmpo do, you can do what Anthony Davis can do, you can do what Embiid … Man, he’s one of the top five most skilled players in the league today.”
Victor Wembanyama who is a 7-foot-3 first overall pick displayed incredible versatility, averaging 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in three outings with the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 55.3% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc. Wembanyama exhibited proficiency at scoring from all areas, while his defensive presence beneath the rim forced opponents to alter their shots.
Wembanyama’s preseason performance shares similarities with Kevin Durant, both possessing elite footwork and exceptional ball-handling skills. Moreover, his strength and successful rim attacks mirror Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playing style, justifying Paul Pierce’s comparisons to the 19-year-old sensation. The NBA will see more of Wembanyama once the season starts.
Brooks reserved his assessment of Victor Wembanyama’s skills
Dillon Brooks doesn’t seem to be impressed by Victor Wembanyama’s skills. While many fans, analysts, and NBA players have been shocked at the French sensation’s flashes of brilliance, Brooks remains unimpressed. The outspoken and often provocative player firmly believes that Wembanyama’s most notable trait is his towering height.
After a recent preseason encounter between Dillon Brooks’ Houston Rockets and Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs, Brooks had his first firsthand look at the French star. When asked, “What was some of your major takeaways from seeing Wemby for the first time in person”, by a reporter, Brooks responded saying, “He’s tall, that’s really it”.
Victor Wembanyama had accumulated 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and recorded 2 blocks during his 21-minute appearance to lead the Spurs to a victory over the Rockets in the preseason game.
As we approach the 2023-24 NBA season, the hype surrounding Victor Wembanyama has reached unprecedented levels. He’s undeniably one of the most sought-after prospects in recent memory.
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