In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, former NBA veteran Tony Parker gave his honest review of Victor Wembanyama. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year is putting on a show in the Olympic Games this year, and Parker says that the way he’s handled the spotlight is comparable to LeBron James.
“Victor is amazing. His head and his mental side, there is nothing I can tell him. He’s ready,” said Parker. “His family is amazing, his sister and brother… and the way they raised those three kids is like their bond is unbelievable. And he’s not bothered by the pressure or the expectation. He’s a little bit like LeBron [James]. The only one that compares with so much expectation before you arrive is LeBron. I think he’s the only one you can really compare. and Victor the way he played this season with the Spurs was unbelievable. I hope it translates to a lot of championships with the Spurs and I hope it will translate to a lot of medals for French basketball.”
Tony Parker on Wemby:
“There’s nothing I can tell him. He’s ready… He’s not bothered by the pressure or the expectation. He’s like LeBron… he’s unbelievable.
So I hope it translates too a lot of Championships with the Spurs.” pic.twitter.com/6ciFylrtdr
— SpursNationSA (@SpursNation_SA) August 1, 2024
Tony Parker is no longer active in the NBA, but he still has heavy ties to the Spurs after helping them capture 4 NBA championships as a player. Parker has no doubt spoken to Wembanyama already and chances are that he’s already offered him his wisdom on the game and leadership in general.
But according to Parker, Victor doesn’t even need the help. Somehow, despite being celebrated as the greatest prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama is not only surviving the pressure, he’s thriving in it.
From the jump, the star big man has relished in the limelight and he exploded in his first season for the Spurs with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-high 3.6 blocks per game on 46% shooting.
Through his first 71 games as a pro, Victor (age 20) flashed a little bit of everything on the court and demonstrated skills in all aspects of the game. Perhaps most impressively of all, he was able to keep a cool head and stay out of controversy despite the massive spotlight following his every move.
Just like LeBron James did as a 17-year-old, Victor knows now that he has a chance to become someone great and he has a set of skills that come only once in a generation. If he plays his cards right and surrounds himself with wise people, he could end up as an All-Time great when it’s all said and done.
For now, however, Victor can only work on his own game and hope that the Spurs make some moves to improve the roster. As-is, Victor’s squad is going nowhere in the West and unless they make a move soon, it’s likely next season will be spent in the bottom of the standings.
For his part, the young Frenchman has made it clear that he’s ready to win now and the Spurs are already working to give him a path to contention. Hopefully, in the near future, Victor will be able to compete on a level that he deserves and he’ll be able to follow up on all of the impressive flashes of greatness he’s shown us so far.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
