- Jerry West calls Victor a future NBA “icon”
- West says Wemby will be a master shot-blocker.
- Spurs star is solidifying himself as a future face of the league
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has yet to play a game in the NBA, but expectations couldn’t be higher for the 7-foot Frenchman. Hailed as the greatest prospect in decades, the hype for Wemby is real, and now that his NBA debut is getting closer fans and analysts are eager to see his game.
Speaking on ‘The Rich Eisman Show,’ Lakers legend Jerry West (AKA “the logo”) had a lot to say on Wembanyama. According to West, Victor is more than just a basketball player, he’s a potential face of the league.
“He is one of those players that you feel like he’s gonna be an iconic player, West said. “He’s highly skilled. He can run, he can shoot threes, I think his best skill is going to be blocking shots early in his career. He’s pretty spectacular. But if you put a microphone in front of him, he is fantastic. He is more than a basketball player. He is someone who gives the league another positive voice…”
“I feel like he’s flung to be an iconic player.”#NBA legend Jerry West joined us today in-studio and talked about what he’s seen so far in 1st overall pick Victor Wembanyama:#NBATwitter #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/OfCSwuhdIe
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) August 4, 2023
For many young stars, the pressure of living up to the hype is too much to bear, but Wembanyama has embraced his status and all of the attention it brings.
“I’ve been looking into all the data of the past years, the past number one picks, and what impact they’ve had. I’m trying to be better than every guy before me,” Wemby said in an ESPN interview last month.
Drafted first by the Spurs this July, Victor Wembanyama averaged 21.6 points per game for the Metropolitans 92. He was lured there years ago due to head coach Vincent Collet, who was known for his skills in developing young talent.
While Wemby never unleashed his true potential with the Metropolitans, he showed enough to impress scouts across the board. Now, it will be up to him to prove everyone right and demonstrate his game in the NBA.
What Should We Expect From Webayama’s Rookie Season?
While nobody can question Wembanyama’s talent, translating it to the highest level of basketball is no easy feat. For many international players, the jump in talent can often be overwhelming and Wemby could have a period where he struggles to get it going.
Thankfully, he’s in a situation with the Spurs that allows him to grow his game without unnecessary burden. Alongside Gregg Popovich and teammates like Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson, he’s sure to be in a favorable situation.
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