There have been some wild claims about San Antonio Spurs draft pick Victor Wembanyama, but there are some inside the NBA that also see some unbelievable potential in the French phenom.
On Thursday night, one of the most predictable moments in NBA history occurred when the San Antonio Spurs made Victor Wembanyama the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. It was a moment that was predetermined once they landed the top pick in the lottery last month.
Related: 2023 NBA Draft – 5 major takeaways, including Portland Trail Blazers’ decision
Over the last year, the 19-year-old has been hyped to rarely-seen levels. While each NBA Draft features players that various NBA decision-makers are drooling over the chance to have, only league legend Lebron James has earned the type of attention that Wembanyama has.
Yet, it isn’t completely shocking. He is a 7-foot-4 talent that has rim-protector skills that mirror Bill Russell and an offensive game clearly influenced by Kevin Durant. His potential is off the charts if he can stay healthy. But hype from those around him or analysts near the game is understandable considering what he has shown thus far. But you would assume those inside the league might be more pessimistic.
Some in NBA believe Victor Wembanyama can be game’s top player in 3 years
Well, it seems that there are quite a few in the NBA that are true believers in Victor Wembanyama’s hype. On a Friday edition of “Get Up,” ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski explained why he is sold on the Frenchman’s upside based on some wild projections he had gotten from respected voices in the league.
“It’s not just Wembanyama’s size and stature. There’s a spirit about him, there’s an energy around him that isn’t just his physical stature in the room that you feel. …. He very well could be an All-Star in his first season. There’s been no shortage of executives who I really respect in the NBA who think he could be the best player on both ends of the floor by his third or fourth year.”
– Adrian Wojnarowki (h/t Hoops Hype)
That is a bold claim considering the superstars in the league today, but that is just how immense Victor Wembanyama’s potential is.