If there was ever a perfect ‘video game player’ in the history of the NBA? It’s Victor Wembanyama. The 7’4″ San Antonio Spurs star is someone you almost couldn’t even create in an onscreen simulation. He’s that much of a physical anomaly… and his skills are almost immeasurable.
Nicknamed ‘The Unicorn’, the French sensation has taken the league by storm with his amazing combination of size and skill. Blessed with the height of a center and the skills of a shooting guard, Wembanyama is starting to prove to the world that he can live up to the hype.
Drafted number one overall in the 2023 NBA selection process, no pick since Lebron James in 2002 has received this much attention, affection, and (at times) anger as the young man known simply as ‘Wemby’. Labeled by some to be too wispy for the National Basketball Association, he’s answered his critics by introducing a new style of basketball to the world.
San Antonio Spurs: Crossing Oceans and Cultures
There’s little doubt that Victor Wembayama will ultimately end up being the NBA Rookie of the Year, and there are even rumblings that he could win the Defensive Player of the Year award, as well. That would be unprecedented for a first-year pro, but the European import has already proven that he can break the mold in terms of his talent.
While many critics weren’t sure if the kid’s overall game would translate to the biggest stage of them all, he’s actually exceeded expectations in a year with the San Antonio Spurs where many thought he would have difficulty transitioning to the big time.
![Spurs](https://totalapexsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-25-5.22.39-PM.png)
His emergence in the NBA has led to the famous comparisons of Jordan, Bryant, and Lebron. But Wembanyama is different because he’s physically and biologically so unusual (in a good way). Guys his size aren’t supposed to run like a gazelle and have a feathery touch from behind the three-point arc.
But here is, breaking every single stereotype that has ever been hung on post players of the past. He’s not big and clumsy, but rather refined in his game. And the scary thing for the rest of the league is? He’s only going to get bigger, stronger, and better.
The San Antonio Spurs Have Found a True Franchise Player
At just 20 years old, Wemby has the time and the opportunity to eclipse even Spurs greats like Tim Duncan and David Robinson. These are two Hall of Fame players that the franchise’s identity was built around. But after a bit of a slow start, the rookie is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. Additionally, he leads the NBA in blocks per game. With an eight-foot wingspan, he’ll likely dominate most defensive categories for years to come.
Unfortunately, the rise of Wembanyama hasn’t also equated to very many victories for the San Antonio Spurs. They are currently the worst team in the NBA. But with some solid draft picks and a nucleus of talent around him, there’s reason to believe that the youngster will win multiple MVP awards as his career unfolds.
Much like his height, Wemby’s potential is at an awestriking level. And, it’s not clear just how high he might soar as his career unfolds. However, to say that he theoretically could average 40 points and 20 rebounds a game someday isn’t too farfetched.
The future is here, and it came from France.
His name is Victor Wmbanyama – and he seems destined to go down as the greatest player of his generation with the San Antonio Spurs.
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Ryan K Boman is the author of the 2023 book, Pop Music & Peanut Butter: A Collection of Essays about Embracing Life with Laughter & Love. His previous work has appeared at The Miami Herald, SB Nation, Bounding into Sports, and Yardbarker. Follow him on social media @RyanKBoman.
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