Patrick Beverley isn’t holding back when it comes to Victor Wembanyama. The veteran guard says the Spurs’ phenom is already a top-five player in the NBA, insisting he should have at least two Defensive Player of the Year trophies by now and predicting he’ll help push San Antonio deep into the playoffs.
“He’s different. He was supposed to get Defensive Player of the Year twice already,” said Beverley on his podcast. “You’ve never seen anything like him. Give him six, seven years, and then you make the call, but right now he’s a top five player in the NBA, without a doubt. I think he has a chance to go far in the playoffs this year. Anytime he’s on the court, the chances of winning for his team go very high.”
The NBA hierarchy will always be a subject of debate, but Victor Wembanyama has a stronger case than most to rank near the top. What he lacks in achievements, he makes up for in talent and potential, which is what lured the Spurs to draft him first overall in 2023. While the young big man still has a lot to prove, many experts and analysts recognize him as a top-five player, and Patrick Beverley is among them.
As a 12-year NBA veteran, Beverley has encountered many superstars throughout his career. From LeBron James and Russell Westbrook to Kevin Durant and James Harden, he has guarded some of the best players in the game, and he’s usually quicker to trash-talk than anything else. When it comes to Wemby, however, Bev seems to have a special appreciation for his game.
While other fans and analysts might be focused on Nikola Jokic or reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Beverley’s focus is in San Antonio, where Victor Wembanyama is expected to continue his rise to greatness. At just 21 years old, Victor doesn’t have the same experience or accolades as some of his peers, but his skills are undeniable, and it’s already got him in some elite company.
Last season, his second in the NBA, Victor averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 47.6% shooting. He was leading the Spurs to a competitive season before blood clots forced him to sit for the rest of the campaign. But now, with Victor rested, healthy, and at full strength once again, there’s reason to believe he might come back better than ever.
At 7’3″, Victor’s height makes him versatile, and he’s learning how to maximize that advantage more and more every summer. With powerful allies like Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, and other legends, Wembanyama has enough support to not only hone his skills on the court but also develop his abilities as a leader. If he’s able to take the Spurs into the playoffs this season, it will cement his status as one of the best in the league and a future face of the NBA itself.
Patrick Beverley’s words might sound bold, but they echo a growing sentiment around the league: Wembanyama isn’t just a prospect anymore; he’s already shaping the NBA landscape. If he stays healthy and keeps climbing, the question won’t be whether he belongs in the top five, but how soon he takes the very top spot.
