Watch Victor Wembanyama's Rookie of the year showcase

Is it possible that we didn't give Victor Wembanyama the credit he truly deserves? Without a hint of sarcasm, I genuinely wonder if we've underrated him. Did we not categorize him among the greatest prospects ever? Could he be the single greatest prospect in basketball history?

The Spectacular 90-Second Stretch

I won't go that far just yet. High school LeBron James is my gold standard. Nevertheless, what Wembanyama is accomplishing on the court is pushing the boundaries of my expectations, and I already expected greatness.

Anatomy of Wembanyama's Unbelievable Play


For example, let's talk about a 90-second stretch during Friday night's game against the Warriors. Standing at an impressive 7-foot-4, he showcased incredible versatility. He effortlessly crossed over into a pull-up jumper, secured a rebound, executed a spin-move and-one from an almost impossible angle behind the backboard, blocked Klay Thompson's 3-point attempt, and finished with a powerful dunk at the other end. Additionally, he defended Andrew Wiggins with precision, shutting down every move, and capped it off by draining a 3-pointer.


The 'Insane' Label: Deserved?

You really have to see this sequence to believe it. The term "insane" is thrown around frequently in the NBA, but this truly deserves the label. In under two minutes, Wembanyama displayed a blend of skill and size that may be unprecedented in NBA history.


Ralph Sampson: A Historical Comparison

Some older fans might compare him to Ralph Sampson, who stood at 7-foot-4 when he entered the league in the 1980s. If Sampson was doing similar things, he was indeed extraordinary, and it's unfortunate that injuries curtailed his potential impact on the game.

Wembanyama: A Perfect Player for Our Time

However, the NBA might not have been prepared for a player of Sampson's size to perform like that back then. Today, the league is ready. Wembanyama could be the perfect player for this era, and his unique abilities are likely to lead to plays like this in almost every game. You'll watch in amazement, adjust your glasses, and ask, "Did I really see that?"
Yes, you did. And it was nothing short of incredible.

CBS Sports