San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama is widely regarded to be the next face of the NBA. Charismatic showstopper Anthony Edwards has something to say about that. Nonetheless, due to the absolute rarity that is Wembanyama, he’s still in a class of his own as the league prepares for a changing of the guard.
Indeed, “he has the chance to be the best,” Milwaukee Bucks leader Giannis Antetokounmpo tells Boardroom.
In an era where everything is recorded and uploaded, Wemby is doing things on an NBA court that no one has ever seen.
Off the court? By 2028, he will almost certainly embark on half a billion dollars in earnings backed by no state tax.
Mature for his age, and talented beyond… pic.twitter.com/VxoUYoQDPa
— Boardroom (@boardroom) August 6, 2024
“Not at his age, not in Europe… but one of the best to ever play this game.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo Speaks On Victor Wembanyama’s GOAT Potential
Antetokounmpo isn’t the first person or player extolling Wembanyama’s potential. Throughout Wembanyama’s rookie season, stars were asked to reflect on their matchup against the 2024 No. 1 pick.
LeBron James says Victor Wembanyama “has no ceiling” and also rattled off some of the most impressive rookies he’s seen in his career: Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Tyreke Evans among them pic.twitter.com/qkgtvf2E6m
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 24, 2024
In February, four-time NBA MVP Award winner LeBron James said that Wembanyama had “no ceiling.” The next month, Damian Lillard —a seven-time All-NBA selection —compared him to future Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Durant. A few days later, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving —dubbed the most skilled offensive player ever—proclaimed that Wembanyama should win Defensive Player of the Year.
Even the tacticians are impressed. Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone calls him the “future of the NBA.”
The assessments from James, Antetokounmpo, and Malone hold the most weight though.
James is in the conversation for the greatest player of all-time. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, is the best two-way player of this generation. Malone is coaching Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP. Jokic is arguably the most dominant player in the NBA today.
Wembanyama’s so special of a talent that these men are touting him as a potential GOAT. It’s nearly unfathomable and it’s certain mind-blowing. It’s also a spot-on assessment, as the Frenchman possesses a highly unique combination of traits and skills.
Chopping The Wood
Wembanyama’s work ethic is among his most important attributes, physical or intangible. His well-documented will to be great isn’t new; many players want to excel at their craft. However, hard work is the secret ingredient for talented hoopers who want to rewrite the history books.
James’s work ethic is so impressive that he’s still being praised for it at 39 years old. Antetokounmpo’s developed both his body and skills over the years after entering the NBA as a gangly and raw teenager. Jokic’s physical transformation is pronounced as well; the Sombor Shuffle isn’t all he’s worked on.
Wembanyama may never turn into the next David Robinson no matter how much he works on his body. Nonetheless, in order to reach his potential, he has to chop the wood. Workouts with legendary sixth man Jamal Crawford are one way to stay ahead of the curve.
Starting to get the picture huh…
It’s just different!pic.twitter.com/txoGr8qF2M
—
Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) June 18, 2024
An exceptional player already, just imagine if he added a crossover at 7-foot-4?
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