In a chat with Sports Illustrated, the NBA’s newest rookie sensation revealed his thoughts on life, the Spurs, and the state of NBA basketball. He also spoke about his NBA idols, specifically calling out Kevin Durant as someone who he deeply admires.
Sports Illustrated: “Are there any active players you admire?”
Victor Wembanyama: “Some of the guys I’ve been watching growing up, I’m not disappointed but I’m like ‘Argh… That’s it?’ But some of them, like KD… I’ve got to know Rudy [Gobert] even more with the national team; I know their work ethic, how they view the game, and it’s really inspiring and I want to do the same.”
As a 7-foot unicorn, Victor Wembanyama can take a lot from Kevin Durant, who has a similar build and frame to the French superstar. His leadership, skills, and fierce determination have helped him become one of the league’s most successful modern players and Wembanyama is hoping to incorporate those same qualities into his own game.
After averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game on 46.5% shooting last season, Victor is already on the fast track to stardom and if there’s one thing he learned in his first year, it’s how hard he’ll have to work for a place at the top.
Sports Illustrated: “What surprised you the most about the NBA your rookie year?”
Victor Wembanyama: “In a good and bad way, it’s how truly the best in the game are. Some of the players are really impressive and inspiring. The way they approach the game every night. Others that I used to like, they don’t put in as much work as I thought.”
With no NBA experience, it’s hard to say how Victor will perform in his sophomore season but after a historic rookie campaign, the Spurs have every reason to be confident in their young star.
This season, with the addition of Chris Paul, Victor will have more opportunities to score and better looks at the basket. After finishing 14th in the West last season, expectations remain low for now but Wemby sees the potential in his group.
Sports Illustrated: “With the addition of Chris Paul, expectations for Spurs?”
Victor Wembanyama: “He’s going to bring a lot to us. As the youngest team in the league, maybe he brings the average down now. We definitely have a lot to learn and a lot that he can bring us. I think it would be hard to find a player who knows as much as him on the court and can transmit it as much as he can.”
Hailed as the greatest prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama is juggling a massive weight on his shoulders and the pressure couldn’t be higher for him to live up to standards.
We’ve already seen glimpses of greatness last season and during the Olympic games in Paris, when he led them to the silver medal. This season, we can expect even greater things from Victor and the Spurs will do whatever they can to maximize his impact on the court.
Already, the budding young star seems comfortable and confident in the league and his breakout moment can happen anytime. If the Spurs play their cards right and Victor stays healthy, this could be a big year for them in terms of progress toward contention.
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.
