Rookie Phenomenon is Already Being Compared to All-Time Greats

The Wembanyama tour presses forward this Tuesday as the San Antonio Spurs make a stop in Phoenix to square off against the Suns in the opening game of a two-game series at the Footprint Center.

This marks his inaugural encounter with a player who is frequently likened to him in Kevin Durant. Wembanyama garners such comparisons due to his unique combination of being a 7-footer with exceptional ball-handling skills, the ability to craft his own shots from various spots on the court, and a proficiency in long-range shooting.

Durant's Thoughts on Victor

Kevin Durant, already displaying immense admiration for Wemby, shared these words about the rookie sensation:



Wembanyama's appreciation for Kevin Durant

Wembanyama appears poised and eagerly anticipates this matchup, as Kevin Durant holds a special place as one of his all-time favourite players.


Wemby also presents a challenge for many when it comes to finding a way to consistently guard him. With an 8-foot wingspan and the ability to score from anywhere on the court, it will be intriguing to observe how the league can defend such a unique player.

A Hall of Famer's Perspective

Hall of Famer Paul Pierce went a step further on the 'Ticket and The Truth' Showtime podcast, suggesting that Wembanyama combines attributes of arguably two of the best current players.



Drawing such comparisons already might be premature. We're discussing the comparison of a 19-year-old, albeit a highly talented and gifted one, who is just starting his NBA career, to two players with well-established Hall of Fame legacies.

You can understand Pierce's perspective, but it's crucial to factor in the level of respect when making such a comparison.

Wembanyama must establish himself in the NBA over the course of several years, not just for a single game, to be placed in the same category as those two. Simply executing a Michael Jordan-esque arm extension, like in "Space Jam", over a defenseless Thomas Bryant during preseason against the Miami Heat doesn't instantly elevate him to Antetokounmpo's status.


What Do Wemby and Giannis Have in Common?

Giannis, as a slender rookie, underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a physical powerhouse to fuel his competitive drive and relentless attacking style. Now, he simply overwhelms opponents with a potent blend of speed, power, and an unwavering work ethic. These qualities are what elevate a skilled player to legendary status.

In contrast, Wemby displays the ability to cover the court rapidly thanks to his long strides, although he doesn't quite match Giannis in speed. Furthermore, he needs to enhance his strength and build more muscle. Weighing in at 210 pounds, Wembanyama has not yet reached his fully developed physique, a process expected to take three to five more years.

Where Wemby Draws the Kevin Durant Comparisons

Durant faced criticism when he entered the league for his inability to bench press 185 pounds during the 2007 NBA Combine. Despite maintaining a slender physique, Durant's commitment to gaining strength over the years has enabled him to thrive in handling physical play on the court.

Nevertheless, having a robust skill set and increased physical strength alone wouldn't have been adequate for Durant's success. What truly distinguishes Durant is his unyielding determination, basketball IQ, and a unique blend of height, ball-handling prowess, and exceptional shooting abilities, all of which empower him to score effortlessly, regardless of the defensive strategies employed against him.

However, it's crucial to emphasize that just because Wembanyama can execute a crossover move, sink a three-pointer, or showcase specific basketball skills, it doesn't automatically warrant comparisons to Durant. The legitimacy of such comparisons will only be warranted if Wembanyama consistently demonstrates these skills while facing physical defences over the next three to four years, much like Durant has accomplished throughout his illustrious career.

What Wemby's Future Has in Store for Him

The Spurs are in a rebuilding phase, a fact highlighted by their disheartening 40-point defeat against the Clippers on Sunday. Wembanyama managed just 11 points on a 4-of-10 shooting performance, committed 5 turnovers, and encountered difficulties coping with the physicality of the game.


It goes without saying that he has a considerable journey ahead of him before reaching the caliber of Kevin Durant or Giannis.

Fortunately, he finds himself part of one of the NBA's premier organizations, under the mentorship of arguably the greatest coach in league history, Greg Popovich. They will provide guidance, instruction, and nurture Wembanyama's talents even through a challenging season, working on player development and seeking players who can enhance both his and the team's prospects in the long run.

If he can successfully add size and strength, enhance his game, maintain consistency, exhibit unwavering drive and determination, and stay healthy, he possesses all the essential attributes to potentially achieve greatness with MVP awards and championships being added to his career.

For the time being, allow the young player to navigate his way through his rookie year and exhibit some signs of growth. Let him focus on developing his unique individual style rather than constantly drawing comparisons to all-time greats.

Credits:
The Arizona Republic